The Hollywood Sign’s Hidden Error: Once You See It, You Can’t Unsee It

Have you ever looked at the iconic Hollywood sign and felt that something seemed a little… off? If you’ve never noticed anything peculiar, you’re not alone! However, there’s a subtle flaw in the sign that many overlook. Once you see it, though, it’s impossible to unsee, forever changing how you view this world-famous landmark.

Spotting the Hollywood Sign’s Hidden Error

In an interview with News.com.au, Jeff Zarrinman, the chair of the Hollywood Sign Trust, revealed his fascination with a small yet noticeable mistake in the design of the Hollywood sign. This error, while subtle, has left countless visitors amazed once they finally spot it.

Take a moment to focus on the “W” in the sign. Do you see anything unusual? If you’re scratching your head, here’s the revelation: the gap on the left side of the “W” forms a noticeably narrower “V” shape compared to the gap on the right side.

Zarrinman finds great joy in pointing this out to unsuspecting onlookers. “I always get a kick out of telling people this when they’re standing in front of it,” he shared. “Even though people just stand and stare at it, they never notice. When I point it out and tell them one of the ‘V’s in the ‘W’ is wider than the other by a significant margin, they’re always amazed.”

He went on to add, “So the ‘mistake,’ if you want to call it that, is still there, but people don’t notice even if they stare at it for hours — and when you notice it, you can’t unsee it.”

The Origins of the Hollywood Sign

The Hollywood sign was born in 1923 thanks to Harry Chandler, a real estate developer and publisher of the Los Angeles Times. Chandler wanted to create a large, eye-catching sign to attract potential buyers to the burgeoning neighborhood of Hollywoodland. His vision was simple yet brilliant: construct an enormous sign that would spark curiosity and draw attention to the area’s real estate opportunities.

The Hollywoodland sign quickly became a symbol of the area, successfully drawing interest and boosting property sales for years. However, the 1930s brought the Great Depression, a time of severe economic hardship for the nation. As property sales plummeted, the Hollywoodland development faced significant setbacks.

Financial difficulties led to the gradual decline in the sign’s maintenance. The developers could no longer afford to keep it illuminated, and the wear and tear on the letters became evident. By the 1940s, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce stepped in to preserve the sign’s legacy. In 1944, they made the decision to remove the “land” from the sign, creating the iconic “Hollywood” sign we know today.

Saving the Hollywood Sign

Despite its transformation into a cultural icon, the Hollywood sign was never intended to be permanent. By the late 1940s, the sign had deteriorated significantly, with letters rusting and even falling apart. Recognizing its symbolic value, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce decided to take charge of its preservation.

In the 1970s, the situation reached a critical point. The Chamber of Commerce decided that a complete overhaul of the sign was necessary, which required tearing it down and rebuilding it from scratch. However, this was no small undertaking—the project needed $250,000 to proceed, a hefty sum for the time.

Enter Jeff Zarrinman, who spearheaded a campaign to raise the necessary funds. “The sign had supporters, and the community was eager to assist,” Zarrinman said. In April 1978, the Chamber of Commerce established a “Save the Sign Committee” to rally financial support.

Celebrity Contributions

The campaign garnered widespread attention, with celebrities and organizations stepping in to help save this cultural treasure. Hugh Hefner, the founder of Playboy, became a prominent supporter, sponsoring the letter “Y.” Rock musician Alice Cooper joined the effort by sponsoring the letter “O” in honor of comedian Groucho Marx. Warner Brothers and other influential figures also contributed, ensuring the project’s success.

The funds raised allowed for the complete reconstruction of the sign, which was completed later that year. Thanks to this collective effort, the Hollywood sign was restored to its former glory and has since remained a symbol of the entertainment industry and the city of Los Angeles.

A Timeless Icon

Today, the Hollywood sign is not just a landmark—it’s a global symbol of dreams, ambition, and the magic of the entertainment industry. The subtle design flaw in the “W” only adds to its charm, reminding us that even the most iconic creations can have imperfections.

So, the next time you gaze at the Hollywood sign, take a closer look at the “W.” You might just notice what countless others have overlooked—and once you do, you’ll never see it the same way again.