The Hollywood sign mistake you can’t unsee
**Have you ever noticed something odd about the Hollywood sign?** Many people miss a subtle flaw in one of its letters—but once spotted, it becomes impossible to ignore. Take a closer look at the “W.” Notice anything unusual?
**The left side of the “W” forms a narrower “V” shape compared to the right side.** Jeff Zarrinman, chair of the Hollywood Sign Trust, enjoys pointing out this quirk to visitors. “People stare at the sign for hours and never notice,” he says. “But once they see it, they can’t unsee it.”
**The sign’s origins date back to 1923**, when developer Harry Chandler erected it to promote Hollywoodland, a new real estate venture. The massive letters were meant to lure buyers to the hillside neighborhood.
**By the 1930s, the Great Depression left the sign neglected.** Maintenance lapsed, and some letters fell into disrepair. In 1944, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce removed the “land” suffix, shortening it to the now-iconic “Hollywood.”
**By the 1970s, the sign was crumbling.** The Chamber launched a $250,000 restoration campaign, rallying community support. Celebrities like Hugh Hefner and Alice Cooper even sponsored individual letters.
**Hefner funded the “Y,” while Cooper adopted the “O.”** Their contributions helped rebuild the sign in 1978, ensuring its survival as a global symbol of fame and ambition.
**Today, the Hollywood sign stands tall—flawed “W” and all.** Its quirky imperfection is a reminder of its storied past, from real estate ad to cultural landmark. Next time you see it, try spotting the lopsided “W”—just don’t blame us when you can’t look away!
