Michael Keaton helps unveil Walk of Fame stars
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Michael Keaton loves the Pittsburgh crowd as much as they love him. Photo: Ryan Deto/Axios
Michael Keaton answered Pittsburgh's bat signal.
Why it matters: The city inducted its inaugural Walk of Fame class on Monday at The Terminal in the Strip District, and Keaton, a Robinson native, was on hand to provide his blessing.
Driving the news: Hundreds showed up for the induction ceremony and to catch a glimpse of Pittsburgh's favorite living celebrity.
- Ten plaques were unveiled at the Terminal on Smallman Street between 18th and 19th streets in the Strip.
What they're saying: Keaton said he still loves Pittsburgh and he is proud of the region's immigrant heritage, which he said is continuing to make it great.
- "This is one of the greatest days of my life. There is nothing like being recognized by your hometown."
- "Everyone I know from Pittsburgh loves being from Pittsburgh," he said.
Zoom in: Jazz great George Benson, the class' only other living member, said in a video message that even in his wildest imagination he never figured he would make a Pittsburgh Walk of Fame.
- "Thank you for walking on my face," he joked.
- Fred Rogers, Rachel Carson, Roberto Clemente, Andy Warhol, Nellie Bly, Jonas Salk, Andrew Carnegie and August Wilson round out the class.
State of play: The event was a celebration complete with a brass band, local dignitaries, fans, media personalities and family members of the inductees.
- "How often do you get to say, 'It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood,' and it actually is?" said Fred Rogers' son, John, as the sun shone on a partly cloudy morning.
Stunning stat: The Terminal recently passed 2 million visitors, said its developer, Dan McCaffery. Many at the induction noted the high foot traffic makes it a perfect location for the Walk of Fame.
Between the lines: Yinzers love their homegrown celebrities.
- Allegheny County controller and likely the next Pittsburgh mayor Corey O'Connor told Axios he once skipped middle school to meet Keaton when he was given a City Council proclamation when "Desperate Measures" was filming in Pittsburgh in the late 1990s.
Fun fact: Visitors can learn more about each inductee by visiting the Walk of Fame and using the official app.
- Just hold your camera over each star while using the app to learn more.
What's next: The event's emcee, Rick Sebak, told the crowd to plan on coming back next year for the next set of Walk of Fame inductees.