Have you ever taken a good look at the Hollywood sign and felt like something was just slightly off? If so, you’re not alone. And if you’ve never noticed anything unusual before, you’re about to discover what many have missed. But be warned—once you see it, you won’t be able to unsee it.
A Subtle Quirk in the Hollywood Sign Jeff Zarrinman, chairman of the Hollywood Sign Trust, has long been fascinated by a small yet noticeable detail in the famous Hollywood sign. In an interview with News.com.au, he explained that once someone spots this quirk, they’ll never look at the sign the same way again. The issue? It all comes down to the letter “W.”
Take a close look at the “W” in “Hollywood.” Does anything seem off? If you’re struggling to see it, here’s a hint: the left gap of the letter forms a much narrower “V” compared to the right side.
“I always love pointing this out to people when they visit the sign,” Zarrinman shared. “Everyone admires it, but almost no one catches this tiny flaw. When I tell them that one of the ‘V’ shapes in the ‘W’ is significantly smaller than the other, they’re completely shocked.”
He added, “So yes, if you want to call it a mistake, it’s right there in plain sight—but most people miss it, even after staring at the sign for hours. And once they notice it, they can’t unsee it.”
The History of the Hollywood Sign The Hollywood sign has a fascinating history that goes beyond its imperfect “W.” It all started in 1923 when real estate developer and Los Angeles Times publisher Harry Chandler envisioned a giant sign to advertise a new housing development. The idea was simple yet brilliant: create an enormous, attention-grabbing sign for a neighborhood called “Hollywoodland.”
For years, the sign served its original purpose, drawing in potential homebuyers and solidifying Hollywoodland as an exclusive residential area. But when the Great Depression struck in the 1930s, the housing market crashed, and property sales plummeted. Hollywoodland was not immune to the economic downturn, and with finances stretched thin, maintenance of the sign suffered.
As funds dried up, the once-illuminated sign began to deteriorate. The lights dimmed, the structure weakened, and by the early 1940s, it was in bad shape. In 1944, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce took action, recognizing the sign’s growing cultural significance. To reflect Hollywood’s rising status as an entertainment powerhouse, they decided to drop the “land,” shortening the sign to simply “Hollywood.”
Saving the Hollywood Sign Though it was originally built as a temporary promotional piece, the Hollywood sign quickly became a beloved symbol of the entertainment industry. By the 1940s, it had already taken on a life of its own. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce assumed responsibility for its upkeep, ensuring its preservation.
However, by the 1970s, the sign had once again fallen into extreme disrepair. This time, a simple fix wasn’t enough—the entire sign needed to be rebuilt. The solution? Dismantle the structure and start from scratch.
To fund the costly restoration, Zarrinman led multiple fundraising efforts, ultimately securing $250,000 to save the sign.
“The Hollywood sign had so many dedicated fans, and the community was eager to help,” Zarrinman said. “In April 1978, the Chamber launched the ‘Save the Sign Committee’ to protect this cultural icon.”
Celebrities Rally to Preserve the Hollywood Sign The campaign to restore the Hollywood sign didn’t just attract local supporters—it also caught the attention of Hollywood’s biggest stars. High-profile figures such as Hugh Hefner, Alice Cooper, and the Warner Brothers each sponsored a letter to help finance the reconstruction. Hefner, the founder of Playboy, took on the letter “Y,” while rock legend Alice Cooper sponsored one of the “O”s.
The involvement of celebrities boosted media coverage and energized the public, turning the restoration into a major cultural event. By the end of 1978, the Hollywood sign had been fully rebuilt, securing its place as a lasting symbol of Hollywood’s allure.
A Legacy of Imperfection Today, the Hollywood sign is one of the world’s most recognized landmarks. Yet even after its grand restoration, it still carries that subtle imperfection—the slightly uneven “W.” Zarrinman’s discovery serves as a reminder that even the most famous icons can have their quirks, and sometimes, those small details make them even more special.
The Hollywood sign’s transformation from a simple real estate advertisement to a globally recognized symbol highlights the unpredictable ways cultural landmarks evolve. It was never meant to be an emblem of Hollywood’s glitz and glamour, but over time, it grew into that role—just as Hollywood itself transformed into the entertainment capital of the world.
So the next time you find yourself gazing up at the Hollywood sign, take a closer look. Beyond its towering presence and historical significance, you might just notice the small, charming imperfection that gives it even more character. And once you see it, you’ll never be able to unsee it.
