Pittsburgh Walk of Fame to be unveiled. Who are the first 10 honorees?

Pittsburgh has been the stomping grounds for many iconic figures from musicians and actors to sports and broadcasting legends to life-changing physicians and business leaders.

In recognition of the western Pennsylvania region’s impact on the nation and world, a local nonprofit has formed to create the Pittsburgh Walk of Fame, which will be unveiled in a ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 20 in the city’s Strip District with its first 10 honorees.

The inaugural hall of fame class is jazz guitarist, singer and songwriter George Benson; journalist Nellie Bly; industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie; environmentalist and writer Rachel Carson; baseball legend Roberto Clemente; iconic actor Michael Keaton; children’s television host and producer Fred Rogers; medical researcher Dr. Jonas Salk; artist Andy Warhol; and playwright August Wilson.

The 10 will each have their names featured on large bronze stars embedded in the sidewalk at the Strip District Terminal on Smallman Street, from 16th to 21st streets. Each star will be accompanied by a narrative plaque that briefly describes the honoree’s key achievements and ties to the Pittsburgh region, while a customized app will provide more information and visuals.

“Everyone involved in creating this new visitor attraction is delighted with the choice of these 10 honorees,” said Nancy Polinsky Johnson, founder and executive director of the nonprofit Pittsburgh Walk of Fame, in a release. “There are certainly many others who are equally deserving of the honor –and their time will come. But this group really represents the diversity of the talent that has come out of southwestern Pennsylvania and left a noteworthy mark on American culture. And that’s what this walk is designed to celebrate.”

The inductees were chosen through a process that began with nominations coming from the public. A curated list of those nominees was then sent to a selection committee of more than 100 leaders from colleges and universities, cultural institutions, news outlets, historical societies, chambers of commerce, community development associations, and visitors bureaus from the 10-county southwestern Pennsylvania area. Committee members voted for their selections, and based on that vote tally, the Pittsburgh Walk of Fame board of directors made the final determination.

The two living honorees, “Batman” actor Keaton and 10-time Grammy winner Benson, are scheduled to speak at the ceremony, Keaton in person and Benson by pre-recorded remarks. Select individuals will attend to accept the honors on behalf of the other eight. The public is invited to attend.

“We are honored to serve as the backdrop for this tribute to Pittsburgh’s many remarkable individuals,” said Dan McCaffery, CEO of McCaffery Interests, which developed and operates The Terminal, in the release. “The Terminal has – and continues to be – a place of connection and celebration, and we are excited to again create a space where the city’s past and future can shine together.”

Noting that he anticipates the Pittsburgh Walk of Fame becoming “a major tourist attraction,” Jim Rudolph, president of the nonprofit’s board, said in the release that the organization has been working hard to get the project launched this year, in advance of the NFL Draft coming to Pittsburgh next spring.

“With hundreds of thousands of people coming to town in April, we thought it was important to get the first 10 stars on the sidewalk in time for all those visitors to be able to begin to know the Pittsburgh area’s influence on America,” he said. “With this attraction free to see and open 24/7, we’re accomplishing that goal.”

Support for the Pittsburgh Walk of Fame has been provided in part by The Buhl Foundation, The Burke Family Foundation, The Grable Foundation, Philip Chosky Charitable & Educational Foundation and an anonymous source.

For more information, visit PittsburghWalkofFame.org. To inquire about induction sponsorship opportunities, please email hello@pittsburghwalkoffameorg.