Keith David expressed his astonishment this week following the announcement of his selection for a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The celebrated actor, recognized for his performances in “American Fiction,” “Armageddon,” and “The Princess and the Frog,” shared his emotional reaction through a video on social media.
In the clip posted on Wednesday, David’s shock is palpable as he hears his name announced during the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Class of 2026 Walk of Fame ceremony. After presenter Eugenio Derbez calls out his name, David leans forward in disbelief, his eyes wide and mouth agape. As he looks around at his loved ones, who remain off camera, he leans back in his chair, visibly moved by the news.
“Happy 70th birthday!” someone exclaims from the sidelines, prompting David to respond, “Oh my God.” His wife, Dionne Lea, quickly joins him, resulting in a touching moment as they share a kiss and a heartfelt embrace. The video concludes with David appearing to regain his composure, wiping away tears of joy.
In the caption accompanying the video, David expressed his gratitude: “What a surprise! Being blessed to get to do this for a living is enough for me; to be recognized for my contribution to the arts is the cherry on top.” He extended thanks to both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, as well as to his wife, whom he referred to as “my greatest supporter!” The star, he noted, will serve as a “wonderful birthday present next year” as he approaches his milestone 70th birthday.
David’s extensive career, which spans film, television, and theater, includes a Tony Award nomination in 1992 for his role in “Jelly’s Last Jam.” More recently, in 2024, he received a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination as part of the ensemble cast of “American Fiction.” Renowned for his distinctive deep voice, David has also earned three Emmy Awards for his narration work on projects such as “A Necessary War,” “Jackie Robinson,” and “Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise And Fall Of Jack Johnson.”
