Following a court fight that began in 1989, this town in Jackson County, Ala., was recognized as the first city to be incorporated with the name Hollywood. (Contributed by Adam Goldman)
HOLLYWOOD, Alabama – Twenty years ago next summer, a star was born in this tiny town, perhaps the only well-known actor to get his start in the northern Alabama city of Hollywood rather than the flashier one on the west coast.
Speake native Lucas Black, who will be 30 this month, was 10 years old when he was cast in the Kevin Costner film, “The War.” Casting agents wanted a child with an authentic southern accent, which Black had in spades – and still does. The casting call was held in 1993 in the Jackson County town in an effort to generate publicity.
"We thought it might make an interesting headline – Hollywood Comes to Hollywood," said David Rubin in a July 13, 1993, edition of The Gadsden Times.
Lucas Black at the premiere of "Get Low." (Contributed by Paul Sherwood)
Black has gone on to a successful career, starring in such films as “Crazy in Alabama,” “Sling Blade,” “Ghosts of Mississippi,” “Friday Night Lights,” “Jarhead,” “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift” and many others – all while refusing to give up his honeyed drawl and, essentially, “go Hollywood.”
But the casting of a future star was not Hollywood, Alabama’s first brush with Tinseltown fame.
In 1989, officials in Hollywood joined other towns of the same name to fight an effort by California officials to trademark the name “Hollywood” and charge other towns to use it.
On Feb. 18, 1989, the Times Daily in Florence published a story with the headline: "Hollywoods up in arms over claim-jumping cousin," which stated that the Chamber of Commerce of Hollywood, Calif., filed a claim that January that would require other towns to pay royalties. The move was opposed by Truett Lankford, who was then the mayor of the Jackson County town of Hollywood near Scottsboro.
Truett Lankford, who was mayor of Hollywood, Ala., in 1989, said he fought an effort by Hollywood,, Calif., to trademark the name for the "principles of the situation." (Contributed by the Town of Hollywood)
“The name came about because of all the holly trees around the city,” Lankford told the Associated Press. “We have a nice town and no way do I want to change the name of it. I love it. We know our neighbors. Everybody knows each other by their first name.
According to Hollywood Town Clerk Susanne Holland, the town was initially established as "Samples" on Dec. 14, 1883 and became Hollywood on May 13, 1887. The town was incorporated May 24, 1897, and held its first election June 8 of that year.
Eventually, Lankford and officials of 10 other towns named Hollywood – including those in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, Mississippi, Louisiana, Maryland, New Mexico, Illinois and Texas – met to oppose the move by the film-industry town in California.
Holland said a judge ruled against Hollywood, Calif., in 1994 and U.S. Rep. Larry Smith filed a bill prohibiting trademarks for the names of incorporated cities and towns.
“During the trademark fight, Hollywood, Ala., raised money for the city's Pride Club by selling ‘We’re the REAL Hollywood’ T-shirts,” Holland said.
These bumper stickers were made during the battle for the name Hollywood. (Contributed by Adam Goldman)
“Bumper stickers with the same phrase were given away free of charge. The town water tower was also repainted with the phrase in large letters. It was during this wrangle for the use of the name that Hollywood, Ala., was discovered to be the first incorporated ‘real’ Hollywood.”
Lankford said at the time: “It's not the point of the money; it’s just the principles of the situation.”
Today, about 1,000 people live in Hollywood, Ala., in Jackson County. (Contributed by the Town of Hollywood)
Holland said the Hollywood, Ala., of today remains a quiet, small town. “While it is currently seeing growth with new industrial parks and the continued work on the TVA Bellefonte Nuclear Power Plant, it remains a far cry from the hype of Hollywood, Calif.,” she said. “We are a small town with big ideas and friendly people.”
Join al.com reporter Kelly Kazek on her weekly journey through north Alabama to record the region's quirky history, strange roadside attractions and tales of colorful characters. Send story ideas to kkazek@alcom.
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