'Mayor of Hollywood' Jonny Grant dies aged 84

LOS ANGELES (AFP) — Hollywood's honorary mayor Johnny Grant, best-known for unveiling stars on Tinseltown's 'Walk of Fame,' has died aged 84, city officials said Thursday.

Grant, a former US television personality who lived in a penthouse apartment at Hollywood's Roosevelt Hotel, died late Wednesday, local media reported. A cause of death was not immediately available.

Grant was most often seen at ceremonies on 'The Walk of Fame,' the stretch of Hollywood Boulevard decorated with stars bearing the name of celebrities.

"Johnny Grant was Hollywood's greatest star," city councilor Eric Garcetti said. "He brought Hollywood the industry and Hollywood the neighborhood together."

Grant began his career as a broadcast journalist in 1939 before serving in the Army Air Corps during World War II.

He is also believed to have made more overseas trips to perform for US troops -- 60 -- than any other entertainer, a tally which included 15 trips to Korea and 14 visits to Vietnam. His most recent came last month for soldiers based in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

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