Stan Lee gets Hollywood star

Legendary American comic book writer, editor and publisher Stan Lee, was honored with his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on December 4, for his contributions as former president of Marvel Comics.

The 88-year-old comics maven worked on the creation of super heroes and villains, including the iconic Spider-Man, the Hulk, the Fantastic Four, Iron Man, the X-Men, Thor, the Silver Surfer, and the Avengers - characters that have inspired blockbuster movies, television series, video games and toys.

"He is that American dream that we all look for," said comics creator Todd McFarlane at the event. "He comes up with the ideas that we all look for to move us forward."

Lee shouted his trademark "Excelsior!" to the cheers of fans and friends, as his star, the 2,428th along the famous sidewalk at 7072 Hollywood Boulevard, joined celebrities of the film, television and music worlds.

Lee worked as a movie-house usher and a sandwich-delivery kid before joining Timely Comics, where in 1941, as a teenager, he worked on Captain America comics.

In addition, the city of Hollywood declared January 4 Stan Lee Day. "Some Stan Lee Day," joked Lee. "The schools are still open."

Lee will add more cameo appearances in films based on Marvel characters this year with the release of Thor starring Chris Hemsworth and The First Avenger: Captain America starring Chris Evans.

RC