On July 4, 2025, Shaquille O’Neal was announced as a recipient of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, formalizing his influence beyond basketball into the realms of entertainment and pop culture. This honor highlights O’Neal’s multifaceted career, recognizing him under the ‘Sports Entertainment’ category by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, a designation introduced just two years ago. The announcement has led to widespread acknowledgment, including a brief but enthusiastic congratulatory message from Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green, who expressed his excitement in three simple words.
Shaq’s star places him among an elite Class of 2026 alongside celebrities such as Emily Blunt, Timothée Chalamet, Demi Moore, and Gordon Ramsay. Notably, O’Neal is the only athlete honored in this specific category this year, underscoring his unique crossover achievements in media and entertainment after a celebrated NBA career. His distinction follows a short list of recipients granted stars in ‘Sports Entertainment,’ which include Michael Strahan, Carl Weathers, and Billie Jean King.
Draymond Green Shares His Enthusiastic Congratulatory Message
The news of O’Neal’s star quickly circulated across social media, capturing the attention of fans, athletes, and entertainers alike. Draymond Green, a fellow NBA star, acknowledged the milestone by sharing Shaq’s announcement with his 4.1 million Instagram followers, adding the caption, “Insane Diesel!!! Wow”. This succinct reaction reflected Green’s respect for O’Neal’s entertainment contributions as well as his basketball legacy.
Green has previously collaborated with O’Neal as a guest host on TNT’s popular show ‘Inside the NBA,’ which Shaq has been a key figure in alongside Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson Jr. The show melds in-depth sports analysis with lighthearted banter, making it a favorite among fans. Green’s involvement in the program highlighted his admiration for O’Neal’s influence within and beyond basketball, making his congratulatory message feel both genuine and timely.
The Expansion of Shaquille O’Neal’s Entertainment Career
Shaquille O’Neal’s impact on entertainment goes far beyond his NBA successes. His roles in films like Grown Ups 2, Hubie Halloween, and playing himself in movies such as Scary Movie 4 and What Men Want demonstrate his knack for blending humor and charisma on screen. O’Neal has also led movies like Blue Chips and Kazaam, showing his versatility in more significant roles.
Aside from acting, O’Neal’s influence extended into music, releasing five studio albums over three decades, and establishing a career as DJ Diesel. Additionally, he served as an executive producer on the documentary The Queen of Basketball, which won the Oscar for Best Documentary Short Subject in 2022, further solidifying his credentials within the entertainment industry.
“Sports Entertainment” Category: A Growing Recognition of Athlete-Entertainers
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce added the ‘Sports Entertainment’ category in 2023 to honor athletes who have significantly contributed beyond sports into broader entertainment fields. O’Neal’s receipt of this star places him amongst pioneers in this emerging category, which has recognized only three individuals prior to him. The category acknowledges the unique merging of athletic excellence and media influence, celebrating figures who bring sports into mainstream cultural arenas.
This recognition not only celebrates O’Neal’s diverse talents but also highlights the evolving landscape where athletes increasingly shape entertainment content, whether through acting, producing, music, or television hosting.
Shaquille O’Neal’s Connection to the ‘Superman’ Project with James Gunn
Shaq’s flair for entertainment recently included his involvement in a humorous marketing campaign for the upcoming ‘Superman’ film directed by James Gunn. Known as ‘Superman’ during his NBA years because of his athleticism and style, O’Neal embraced this persona while joking about the superhero costume in the promo. In the video, he dismisses the costume’s size, humorously insisting he was the intended wearer, and pokes fun at fellow TNT co-host Charles Barkley with a blunt,
“F— Barkley”
, —Shaquille O’Neal.
The promo underlines Shaq’s continuous engagement with current pop culture projects and his ability to blend basketball legend status with entertainment charisma, suggesting he knows how to keep his presence relevant across different audiences.
The Significance and Future of Shaquille O’Neal’s Hollywood Star
The awarding of a Hollywood Walk of Fame star to Shaquille O’Neal solidifies his reputation as a multifaceted icon, transcending sports to become a fixture in entertainment and business. His diverse accomplishments offer a blueprint for future athletes seeking longevity beyond the court or field.
While this honor celebrates his past achievements, O’Neal continues to remain active in various ventures, indicating that his contributions to entertainment are far from over. His ongoing projects and collaborations ensure that his influence will persist, shaping the narrative of athletes as entertainers in the coming years.
Draymond Green’s enthusiastic and concise reaction captures the respect that peers and fans alike hold for Shaq, emphasizing the legend’s lasting imprint across multiple industries. As the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce expands its recognition of sport-related contributions, O’Neal’s star marks a significant milestone in bridging the worlds of sports and entertainment.