The Hollywood sign, known worldwide as a symbol of the entertainment industry, contains a little-known mistake that has eluded the observation of many.
Once you become aware of this subtle flaw, it becomes impossible to overlook.
Hollywood sign mistake that seems unsee
According to Jeff Zarrinman, the chair of the Hollywood sign trust, there is a noticeable error that most people fail to notice.
Zarrinman claims that the gap on the left side of the letter "W" is narrower than the one on the right.
He enjoys pointing out this mistake to visitors and witnessing their surprise when they finally see it.
Once you become aware of the asymmetry, it becomes impossible to overlook.
The origins of the Hollywood sign
The origins of the Hollywood sign trace back to 1923 when a real estate developer named Harry Chandler conceived the idea of creating a striking sign to attract people to the Hollywoodland area.
The sign served its purpose, attracting attention and potential homeowners to the burgeoning suburb.
However, as the Great Depression hit in the 1930s, the maintenance of the sign deteriorated, and some letters fell into disrepair.
In 1944, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce took over the responsibility of maintaining the sign.
They decided to remove the "land" from the end, transforming it into the iconic "Hollywood" sign we recognize today.
Over time, the sign faced further challenges, and by 1970, it required complete reconstruction.
To fund the sign's restoration, Jeff Zarrinman organized fundraisers and gathered the necessary $250,000.
Celebrities like Hugh Hefner, Alice Cooper, and the Warner Brothers joined in by sponsoring individual letters.
Next time you find yourself in the vicinity of the Hollywood sign, take a moment to examine the "W" closely.
You may be surprised by the subtle imperfection that has captured the attention of many observant visitors.
Just remember, once you notice the mistake, there's no going back. The Hollywood sign will forever be imprinted in your mind with its slightly asymmetrical "W."
