Transcript

Rachel McAdams Is Honored With a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony

From Variety · Episode page · Watch on YouTube

· 1 h 11 min · 4,969 words · 74 timestamped sections

This is the full, timestamped transcript of "Rachel McAdams Is Honored With a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony", an episode of Variety published January 20, 2026 (1 h 11 min, about 4,969 words). It mentions 19 people, works and ideas, including Rachel McAdams, The Notebook, Janelle Riley, Send Help, Spotlight.

What this episode is about

Rachel McAdams has been officially honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing her significant contributions to the film industry. The ceremony celebrated her authenticity and the impactful performances that have resonated with her generation, as colleagues and fans gathered to acknowledge her achievements in motion pictures.

Key takeaways

  • Rachel McAdams: A Canadian gem who proves that authenticity shines as bright as Hollywood’s stars.
  • From 'The Notebook' to Broadway, Rachel's versatility keeps her in the spotlight across genres.
  • Empathy and talent: Rachel embodies the complex roles that define a generation of cinematic storytelling.
  • Who knew 'Redeye' had romcom roots? Just another layer in McAdams' rich acting tapestry.
  • With charity work and blockbuster roles, Rachel McAdams is redefining what it means to be a star.

Who speaks in this episode?

What is discussed, and when

  1. – 30:00: Rachel McAdams, Janelle Riley, Spotlight, Doctor Strange
  2. – 40:00: Rachel McAdams, Send Help, Donald Gleeson, The Notebook
  3. – 50:00: Rachel McAdams, Steve Nissen, Janelle Riley, Mean Girls

Notable quotes from "Rachel McAdams Is Honored With a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony"

  • Their star becomes part of the galaxy of stars that defines Hollywood, and today is no different. We are welcoming as our newest member to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rachel McAdams.
    about Rachel McAdams · at
  • Now, to kick us off, I'd like to welcome to the microphone award-winning host and entertainment journalist Janelle Riley.
    about Janelle Riley · at
  • Tony, and of course, an Academy Award nomination. not content with conquering the screen, Rachel made her Broadway debut in Mary Jane, written by Pulitzer Prize finalist Amy…
    about Mary Jane · at
  • Will tell you, I know most of them. And she was also nominated for a Gotham Award. In 2016, Rachel joined the Marvel Universe as Dr. Christine Palmer, starring alongside…
    about Doctor Strange · at
  • Stranded on a deserted island with her sleazy boss who finds herself taking control. Believe me when I tell you, you are not prepared for how wonderfully messed up this movie is. It's so good.
    about Send Help · at
  • Two are reunited for his first R-rated horror film in 20 years, Send Help. Have I mentioned how good it is? Please welcome to the stage Sam Ramy.
    about Sam Raimi · at
  • Also as a journalist and a failed actor who knows how hard this is. in her 2004 breakout hit Mean Girls, playing Queen Bee, Regina George.
    about Mean Girls · at
  • As the loving mother and Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. And of course, The Notebook, the movie that has single-handedly kept Kleenex profitable for the last 20 years.
    about The Notebook · at

Who and what is mentioned in this episode?

People

  • Rachel McAdams — Person · Honoree / main subject · 11 mentions · first at
    Central figure of the ceremony: receiving a Hollywood Walk of Fame star; multiple speakers describe her career, collaborations, and upcoming work.
  • Janelle Riley — Person · Host / emcee (entertainment journalist) · 5 mentions · first at
    Introduces the honoree, provides career overview, and manages the ceremony flow including introducing speakers.
  • Sam Raimi — Person · Guest speaker / director collaborator · 1 mention · first at
    Introduced as an influential filmmaker; cited as director of 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' and upcoming 'Send Help' starring McAdams.
  • Steve Nissen — Person · Ceremony official / presenter · 4 mentions · first at
    Introduced as Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President & CEO; presents a city commendation and formally declares the day honoring McAdams.
    Honored, and a little bit intimidated to be here today. And so I'm going to bring up the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Steve Nissen, who will make a special presentation on behalf of the city of LA.
  • Donald Gleeson — Person · Guest speaker / co-star and friend · 3 mentions · first at
    Speaks in praise of McAdams and references their prior collaboration in 'About Time' and his other film roles.
    I love it. Last year, he was seen in the two top performing Apple features of the summer, Echo Valley and Guy Richie's Fountain of Youth. he seems like a really nice guy, but I just have to say.
  • Dylan O'Brien — Person · Referenced co-star / attendee · 3 mentions · first at
    Mentioned as McAdams' co-star in the upcoming film 'Send Help' and noted as present at the ceremony.
    Dylan, you have been without a doubt the best worst boss I have ever had.
  • Amy Herzog — Person · Referenced playwright · 1 mention · first at
    Credited as the writer of the Broadway play 'Mary Jane' in which McAdams made her Broadway debut.
    Tony, and of course, an Academy Award nomination. not content with conquering the screen, Rachel made her Broadway debut in Mary Jane, written by Pulitzer Prize finalist Amy…
  • Benedict Cumberbatch — Person · Referenced co-star · 1 mention · first at
    Mentioned as McAdams' co-star in the Marvel film 'Doctor Strange' where she played Dr. Christine Palmer.
    Will tell you, I know most of them. And she was also nominated for a Gotham Award. In 2016, Rachel joined the Marvel Universe as Dr. Christine Palmer, starring alongside…
  • Tilda Swinton — Person · Referenced co-star · 1 mention · first at
    Mentioned as part of the cast of 'Doctor Strange' alongside McAdams and Cumberbatch.
    Award. In 2016, Rachel joined the Marvel Universe as Dr. Christine Palmer, starring alongside Benedict Cumberbatch and Tilda Swinton in Doctor Strange. And in 2022, she…

Companies & orgs

  • Lion's Gate — Company · Production company · 1 mention · first at
    Studio behind the film adaptation of Judy Bloom's novel featuring Rachel McAdams
    Recently, she starred in the Lionsgate film adaptation of Judy Bloom's bestselling novel, Are You There, God?
  • Clark University — Company · Educational background · 2 mentions
    Rachel McAdams' alma mater, where she graduated with a BFA in theater
    About our honore. Rachel McAdams hails from Canada, where all good things begin. After graduating from York University in 2001 with a BFA in theater, she became known for her…

Products & tech

  • The Notebook — Product · Iconic work · 2 mentions · first at
    One of Rachel McAdams' most famous films, mentioned as a defining role in her career
  • Send Help — Product · Upcoming project · 4 mentions · first at
    Rachel McAdams' upcoming film, highlighted as a significant new work in her career
  • Spotlight — Product · Award-winning work · 2 mentions · first at
    Rachel McAdams' role in the critically acclaimed film that earned her an Academy Award nomination
    Journalists love you is to play a good one. An unsung hero who does their job well. And she did just that as Sasha Feifer, the Boston Globe reporter who helped expose the cover…
  • Mean Girls — Product · Breakout role · 2 mentions · first at
    Rachel McAdams' breakout film, establishing her as a leading actress
  • Doctor Strange — Product · Past work · 2 mentions · first at
    Rachel McAdams' role in the Marvel Universe as Dr. Christine Palmer
  • Mary Jane — Product · Broadway debut · 1 mention · first at
    Rachel McAdams' Broadway debut, showcasing her versatility as an actress
  • Eurovision Song Contest — Product · Diverse work · 2 mentions
    Rachel McAdams' participation in a film showcasing her range as an actress
  • The Paper — Product · Current project · 1 mention · first at
    A project involving Rachel McAdams' friend and collaborator, mentioned in the context of her career
    Going to hear from some people who know her well. And our first speaker is an actor who is currently frontlining the Greg Daniels Michael Kman doc mockumentary series, The…

Full transcript with timestamps

Good morning to all of those who are here and those viewing around the world. Welcome to Hollywood. For over 60 years, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has brought luminaries from the entertainment industry to this very boulevard to cement their name and legacy in this iconic walk of fame. Their star becomes part of the galaxy of stars that defines Hollywood, and today is no different. We are welcoming as our newest member to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rachel McAdams.

I if I can digress, Rachel, you know, I get we get a lot of calls often times when we're going to be doing these ceremonies. Often times it's friends and it's it's it's people you know around the community. This time so many of our board members called me and they were like, "It is so great that we're doing this. She is a person who has defined our generation. She is a person who's so authentic in the character she brings and her empathy and caring and love shows through in every piece of work she does. So, thank you for honoring us as we honor you.

Now, to kick us off, I'd like to welcome to the microphone uh award-winning host and entertainment journalist Janelle Riley.

Purple We spoke to each other this morning to coordinate our our matching prom outfits. Um hello Hollywood. Um before we get started, let's give a big shout out to our fans watching from around the world on our live stream presented by the Chambers Media partner Variety. The Hollywood Walk of Fame recognizes achievement in the categories of motion pictures, radio, live theater, live performance, sports entertainment, recording, and television. And today in the category of motion picture, we honor Rachel McAdams with star number 2833 on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Now, before we invite Rachel to the stage, let me tell you a little bit about our honore. Uh Rachel McAdams hails from Canada, where all good things begin. After graduating from York University in 2001 with a BFA in theater, she became known for her starring roles in comedy and drama before recently taking on the Broadway stage. She has received so many laurels, including nominations for a BAFTA, a Tony, and of course, an Academy Award nomination. Uh, not content with conquering the screen, Rachel made her Broadway debut in Mary Jane, written by Pulitzer Prize finalist Amy Herszog and directed by Annie Kauman. She received so many accolades for this beautiful performance as a single mother of a special needs son, including a theater world award, two Broadway.com awards, and nominations from the Drama League, Drama Desk, Outer Critic Circle, and the Tony Awards.

Recently, she starred in the Lionsgate film adaptation of Judy Bloom's bestselling novel, Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret. I think I speak for everyone, fans of the book, when I say thank you for not messing it up. It was perfect. I I couldn't believe it. Uh, for this critically acclaimed performance, Rachel won a Los Angeles Film Critics Award for best supporting actress, and they are a tough group. I will tell you, I know most of them. And she was also nominated for a Gotham Award. In 2016, Rachel joined the Marvel Universe as Dr. Christine Palmer, starring alongside Benedict Cumberbatch and Tilda Swinton in Doctor Strange. And in 2022, she reprised her role in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness directed by Sam Ramy.

Sure. Rachel's been a part of so many fantastic films. I literally do not have time to list them all, especially with the applause. Uh, but just to show her range, she can go from the timely drama of Spotlight to the wonderfully goofy world of Eurovvision Song Contest. [gasps] She's proven her comedic timing in films like Wedding Crashers, Game Night, The Family Stone, Midnight in Paris, played an action hero in Redeye, Dr. Strange, and Sherlock Holmes: The Game of Shadows, and starred in some of the most powerful romances of our time. From about time to the time traveler's wife to the greatest love story ever told, the notebook.

I I personally would like to argue here that the first 30 minutes of Redeye is a wonderful comic romcom before things go off the rails. Also, um I don't know if you know, but The Notebook the musical is showing down the street. So, after this, we can all catch a matinea. Behind the camera, Rachel has been involved with the following charities: Food and Water First, Plastic Pollution Coalition, Children and Nature Network, and many, many more. Upcoming, she will soon begin production on the untitled Joseph Gordon Joseph Gordon Levit directed AI thriller from Tea Street and Netflix. But up next, Rachel will star in Send Help as a put upon employee stranded on a deserted island with her sleazy boss who finds herself taking control. Believe me when I tell you, you are not prepared for how wonderfully messed up this movie is. It's so good.

It is directed by Sam Ramy. She stars opposite Dylan O'Brien, who I see is here today. Yes. which gives me hope that their off-screen relationship does not reflect their on-screen one. Um, it must be so much fun to be tortured by Rachel McAdams for two hours, though. Uh, I cannot wait for the world to see it. Uh, but before Rachel uh speaks up, we're going to hear from some people who know her well. And our first speaker is an actor who is currently frontlining the Greg Daniels Michael Kman doc mockumentary series, The Paper. 13 years ago, he and Rachel starred together in the beautiful romcom About Time. And I love that their on-creen chemistry has carried over into a real life friendship. I also love what that movie did for redheaded representation.

There's so many redheads in that movie. I love it. Last year, he was seen in the two top performing Apple features of the summer, Echo Valley and Guy Richie's Fountain of Youth. Uh, he seems like a really nice guy, but I just have to say as as as the villainous General Hux in the Star Wars films, The Rise of Skywalker, The Last Jedi, and The Force Awakens, he has the distinction of having the greatest sneer I have ever seen on film. Uh, this is someone who the best directors in the business line up to work with. Other films include The Kitchen, The Little Stranger, Mother, my personal favorite, Frank, and many, many more. Please welcome Rachel's good friend, Donald Gleon, to the stage.

Thank you so much for having me. It is an absolute honor to be here. Um, I'm pretty sure that anyone who has worked with Rachel McAdams were they uh oh pretty sure that anybody who's worked with Rachel McAdams were they standing here today would essentially be saying the same thing that I'm about to which is that Rachel I don't think you deserve this. And let me tell you why. Life and more importantly Hollywood has taught me that you are not supposed to have it all. It is not fair to be everyone's favorite person on set and the best actor in the room. It is selfish of you to be a devoted mother of two, putting family above all else and a huge movie star continually knocking it out of the park commercially and artistically.

It's not okay to be a Hollywood star and a character actor, to be gifted at comedy and drama, to be unrestricted by genre or expectation, and to be the loveliest person I've ever met in my life. That's not how we do things. And so, yeah, I just I don't think you deserve it. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. When I when I look at the other names on the stars on these streets, um I realize that like a lot of these people like psychopaths is too strong a word, but a lot of these people were crazy and you're not. You're amazing. So, how have you made it work?

You're a phenomenal actor. Every word you utter seems profoundly true and connected and I have witnessed that up close. 13 years ago on About Time, Rachel acted so convincingly at me that for three full months I believed I could travel through time. You made me believe that we were happily married in a small town in England and that Bill Nye was my father. That was irresponsible. It's your talent, I guess. But let me tell you, the comedown was brutal. So, maybe you are a psychopath. I don't know. Welcome to Hollywood.

Uh, no matter the role, I always believe the characters you create, I empathize with all of them. You make me understand all of them. And in this way, you make everything better. every movie, every genre, every character, every co-star, every set, every crew, every room you walk into, you make them all better, and we are very lucky to have you. So, while joining the icons immortalized in these streets makes this a pretty cool day for Rachel McAdams, if you ask me, this is also a really cool day for the Hollywood Walk of Fame because as usual, Rachel McAdams is about to rock up and make it better. Thank you so much. You're amazing.

I told you he was a nice guy. Uh, I am so thrilled to be introducing our next guest speaker because there is literally no one who has had a bigger influence on my love for movies than Sam Ramy. Yeah, I was 12 years old when I discovered Evil Dead 2 and instantly became obsessed, which probably explains a lot about me today. Uh this is a writer, director, producer who has always been ahead of his time and so many filmmakers owe a big debt of gratitude for his completely innovative original film making. We like to say that he was the first director who gave cameras free will. I've only written one fan letter in my entire life and it was to Sam Ramy in 1994 and I just have to tell you he wrote back and I have the response framed in my office to this day. Uh we I'm sure you remember it. I'm sure. Yeah.

Uh, we talk a lot about range with actors, but for a horror icon, this is an artist who can literally do anything. From classic crime thrillers like A Simple Plan and The Gift to an old-fashioned romance like For the Love of the Game to not one but three of the best comic book adaptations to film. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Dark Man, and the Spider-Man trilogy. Yes,

it was on Multiverse of Madness, the rare sequel that outshines the original, where Sam Ramy first worked with Rachel, who elevated the role of the protagonist love interest to something grounded but fierce, relatable but vital, and now the two are reunited for his first R-rated horror film in 20 years, Send Help. Have I mentioned how good it is? Please welcome to the stage Sam Ramy.

Uh guys, uh before I begin, uh the Hollywood uh Chamber of Commerce has asked me to ask if anyone has lost a roll of $5 bills with a rubber band around them.

Okay. Well, we found the rubber band. Um, good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. It's an honor to be here with you for the unveiling of Rachel McAdams muchdeserved star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It's a testament to her great talent and long list of accomplishments in the motion picture business. In 2001, Rachel made her film debut in Shotgun Love Dolls. The movie opened to unfortunate circumstances as all the seats faced the screen. Then in 2002, Rachel came to Hollywood where she starred in the prestigious Hot Chicks, considered by many as the uh citizen cane of Rob Schneider body swap movies.

Back then, Hollywood was a tough place to be for a young actress. And for Rachel, it was no different. People were mean. They'd walk all over her. But after 25 years of superb performances, she's risen to great heights. And now, thanks to that star, people will once again walk all over her. Um, Rachel's latest film is a thriller called Send Help, which is also what Rachel said after she found out I was directing. As her director, I can honestly state that Rachel McAdams is one of the best actors in the movie. There are only two actors in the movie.

Congratulations, Rachel. You are so kind and considerate. You're a brilliant collaborator and a good friend and a real movie star, someone to light up this Hollywood Walk of Fame. And you are really deserving of this honor. And we all love you. Thank you, Rachel.

Thank you. Uh before we actually introduce our honory, I just want to tell you a little bit about of something about her from my point of view. Uh speaking as a fan, but also as a journalist and and a failed actor who knows how hard this is. Um in her 2004 breakout hit Mean Girls, playing Queen Bee, Regina George. Yes. Rachel McAdams utters the iconic line,"Wh are you so obsessed with me?" And I think I actually have the answer to that question. You know, we talk about ven diagrams, the these circles of different groups and how sometimes they intersect and overlap and they have these commonalities. And the thing about Rachel McAdams is everybody loves her.

Like her ven diagram is literally one giant circle. And if you need any further proof, my mom, who loves movies, but has never understood what I do, knows the name of no actors, her favorite actor is Hugh Jackman. She calls him Stu Jackson. She has never been impressed by a thing I do. But when I told her what I was doing today, she hopefully with the help of the Best Buy team figured out YouTube and is watching right now. I always joke that the way to make journalists love you is to play a good one. An unsung hero who does their job well. And she did just that as Sasha Feifer, the Boston Globe reporter who helped expose the cover up of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church in Spotlight, a role that won her a SAG award and earn earned her an Academy Award nomination. Audiences obviously love her of her work for the groundedness and humanity she brings to every role in every genre. She is a

comedy assassin. She kills with a single line in Mean Girls and Eurovision and Game Night. Not a day goes by where I don't see a meme of her. But she also brings so much depth to ordinary people as the loving mother and Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. And of course, The Notebook, the movie that has single-handedly kept Kleenex profitable for the last 20 years. Co-stars love working with her because she's a team player, one who makes everyone around her look good. I don't uh and other actors are inspired by her.

I don't know if you've ever seen her audition for The Notebook, but it is literally discussed in acting classes to this day as an example of walking in and owning a role. It is phenomenal. Mom, now that you're on YouTube, you can look it up. Uh that audition tape alone should have earned her her first Oscar nomination. And she is such a badass on screen in action films and also offscreen. You know, she's one of those movie stars that is genuinely just like us. Uh, back in 2018, the new mother had to pause her photo shoot to pump breast milk. She allowed the photographer to not only photograph her. There she was decked out in Versace, Bulgari diamonds, and a breast pump in one of the most iconic and meaningful photos of all time. I cannot express what that meant to so many people. She truly has done it all.

And yet, somehow in Send Help, she is still surprising us. She is terrifying, funny, lovable. You always root for her, even when she's torturing Dylan O'Brien, especially when she's torturing Dylan O'Brien. Her presence in a film guarantees that a movie is going to be worth her time. And for all this and so very much more, I am so thrilled, honored, and a little bit intimidated to be here today. And so I'm going to bring up the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Steve Nissen, who will make a special a special presentation on behalf of the city of LA.

Thank you. All right. Well, first of all, how is everyone doing? Uh, I said before the ceremony to the crowd out in the street, uh, and across the street, you all look great, you sound great, you're so enthusiastic, and I think we understand a little bit more why now. Thank you, Janelle Riley. Uh, thank you Danell and Sam both for making us laugh a lot but also helping us understand why everyone does in fact love Rachel McAdams. So, thank you both. Now, Rachel, now it's time for you to come up on stage. Please join me.

Here's the hard. All right. I told Rachel this is the hard part. She has actually has to stand here and do nothing for a couple of minutes. You have one responsibility. Do not fall off the podium. Now, um Rachel, we're in Hollywood and we're on a magical streak. 2,832 stars have preceded you, but there's only one Rachel McAdams. Every year about 10 million tourists come uh and walk on the Walk of Fame. Uh and after we unveil your star in a few moments, uh those 10 million people will uh get to see you and uh honor you every time they pass by this star. But we're in a even though we're in a magical place on a very special street, we're also in a real place, the city of Los Angeles. And the city council of Los Angeles through uh our council representative here in Hollywood, Ugo So Martinez wants to present you with a commendation from the city of LA. So this is photo op time.

There we go. It's safe. I think we want to lift out. You good? You good? Right. Anything else?

Your speech is safe with me. All right. On behalf of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, it is my honor and pleasure to declare today Rachel McAdam's day in Hollywood. [screaming] My pleasure.

Wow. Thank you. I I am I am so overcome um by the generosity here today. Um, uh, I'd like to thank Disney and 20th Century Studios and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. Thank you Janelle and Steve for your kind words. Um, and thank you to Dono Gleason, Dylan O'Brien, and Sam Remy, the master. Uh, thank you for taking time out of your busy lives to be here today. Uh, Sam and Dylan, I saw that you have a new movie coming out and I'm really excited to see it. Still in character. Um, okay. So, you are three of the hardest working and kindest people in Hollywood. Donal, you are easily one of the loveliest fake husbands I have ever had.

Dylan, you have been without a doubt the best worst boss I have ever had. And Sam, you are definitely the nicest person to have ever thrown buckets of blood straight in my mush. Your words. Uh, you were grinning both paternally and maniacally every time you did it, which is a super confusing feeling, but that's Hollywood, right? So, speaking of Hollywood, when I was about 8 years old, growing up in tiny little St. Thomas, Canada, I wrote my parents a very desperate letter asking them to figure out how to fulfill my greatest dream to be on Ed McMahon's Star Search.

They were uh of course incredibly supportive. Um I do want to freeze time for a second because you only get a few of these moments in life to thank you on the stage for everything. All of it.

All of it is because of you and the love you gave us and the beautiful childhood you gave us and for believing in me long before I could grasp how to believe in myself. I love you so much. Thank you.

Okay, so back to Ed McMahon's impossibly high standards for tiny children. Um, so while my parents were incredibly supportive, they were also incredibly confused by this request of mine because I couldn't dance, I couldn't sing, I couldn't twirl a baton, I couldn't put my legs behind my head, I couldn't do anything really at eight. Um, I figure skated. That's what I could do, but there wasn't a figure skating category. So, [snorts] I had none of the skills that Star Search was searching for. So, as much as I wanted to be a little star for Ed McMahon, 8-year-old me let that dream fly out the window.

But then a few years later, my parents, thank you once again, let me join a children's theater camp. And that's where I found my real tribe and my true dream. I'm very lucky to have Four of my fellow camp thespians here today. My rider dies. Feels like yesterday we were playing impish fairies. Murderous juvenile delinquents, aging prostitutes, and tragic Shakespearean men together. It was one of the most joyful times of my life. So much so that theater camp turned into theater college because that's a good bet. I'm staying employed.

Um, but it was just as magical a place. There I found teachers, fellow students, a larger tribe, a group of dreamers that made my life feel so very alive, including my dear friend and great collaborator Dwayne Murray. You are a gift from heaven, my greatest collaborator, and I cannot imagine the terrible mistakes I would have made in my career and in the many roles I took on were it not for your beautiful guidance and mentorship. Thank you so much.

Uh I would like to make a special shout out to my manager, Shelley Browning. the hardest working woman in Hollywood. You changed the tra trajectory of my life, inviting me to Hollywood based on one tiny little tape. You let me stay in your guest room for months on end so I didn't have to stay at the Oakwood apartments and printed countless Map Quest maps for me to get to auditions since I was without a cell phone, a GPS, or any real sense of direction. It's an affliction I still suffer from and you're still helping me out with that. Thank you. Um, you are my ways now. Thank you for fighting the good fight for me for the last 20 plus years.

What all those experiences and all of these people made me realize is I didn't actually need to be a star. what I needed to be was a working actor and for the past 25 plus years I've been very lucky to do that and for that I am so so very grateful and so fortunate and lastly I'd like to thank the stars up above down here the legendary working actors who I was given the great gift to learn from the ones who are no longer with us to name a few the pioneer ing Jenna Roland's, the prolific Sam Shepard, and my beloved Diane Keaton, who took me under her wing like I was her own daughter.

She taught me that no matter how long you've been doing this, you have to leave everything you've got on the table. Each performance, you must muster up as much love as you possibly can. And then you'll only feel like a dumb dumb idiot half the time in life. And to all my own stars down here, to my colleagues, my dear friends, the rest of my family who came from far and wide to be with me today, from every chapter of my life, who've always kept my feet firmly planted on the ground and never let me float too far out of orbit.

It seems silly to just have my name on here, so I share this little piece of earth with all of you. To Jamie, my north star, Kaylee, my other north star. Thank you for being such a great team and keeping me quasi normal. I love you all so much. Thank you so much.

Well, are we ready to unveil your star? All right, let's go down and do it. Coming back. Oscar, can we just sit back a little bit on the bench? Yeah.

Yeah. Please welcome the newest Walk of Famer to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rachel McDano.

So cool. Step on it. You're the first. Rachel, this one. You just try to cram in there.

Rachel, you got to go in the in the middle. Middle. Middle. All right, here we go, guys. Right straight ahead in the middle.

Everybody in this corner. Right down here in the middle, please. Right down low here.

Right here, guys. Here's one for Disney, guys. Right here. Straight ahead, guys. Everybody

look to your right please. All right. Thank you so much. Just think Perfect. And right here in the middle, Rachel. Thank you.

Rachel, right down here. Rachel, down to the right, please. And Rachel looking up

right here. Rachel, right down here. To the right. Rachel, right here. Looking down again.

Right here. Straight ahead. Back through the middle. To your left down low. Rachel right here.

Rachel. Right over here. Rachel right here. And Rachel straight ahead up top. I missed. We got him right here. Right down here in the middle. Rachel right here.

Rachel in the corner over here. All right, you guys. I got this. Did you get the jump?

No. We need to stand. We're going to do a solo and just standing fashionable. right here. Rachel to the right, please.

And Rachel, right hand in the middle. Back to the middle. Rachel, those eyes looking down, please.

And Rachel, straight ahead to the right, please. Rachel, right in the middle here. One more

and Miss McAdams right here, please. And that beautiful smile. Okay, guys. Closer.

Come up to the star a little bit, guys. There you go. Take a big step towards the star.

Let's get you on the star, please. Right there. There you go. Perfect. Right here, guys.

Right here. Down low. Rachel, Steve, right here. Matthew Matthew said nothing but that's her. right here.

Jamie Jamie. Yeah, I'll do it after the parents first. You got Hey, start right here, guys. Right in the middle. and Rachel mom dad

and guys and back to the middle guys right here right down here all three down left right here all three down

let's get Jamie in there for one yeah I think it's very deliberate her dad is just like

and mom dad Rachel ready. Dad, give her another kiss. Dad, thank you. Let's get one more. more like the truck. I like Which one? Let's put the two ladies in the movie.

Guys, can I come up a little bit, guys? Come walk to the star, guys. Come on. The start. Come on. The star.

Yes. Beautiful. Start right here first, guys. Thank you. a meadow is right here,

guys. Down low left here. Smile. There it is. Hey everybody to the right over there.

There's no way. Should we do Dylan and Rachel? Megan. Megan, do you want to do Dylan and Rachel? Dylan and Rachel. Is it the story line in the movie?

Oh, hello. Welcome. Welcome to Yes. Yes. certainly get tomorrow night. But we don't get that.

Okay. Thank you. Jamie, hold on. Hold on. Look right here, ladies. We get up right here. Right in the middle. Right in the middle.

Straight ahead. No, this is her coaster. We have I think it might underscar right there. Right here, guys.

All right, kids. Down here. Bottom lap. Back to the net right here. Rachel back left. That's it. Right.

And guys up top. Dylan Rachel right here. I would be so nervous. And one time right down here. Thank you guys.

She goes every time. She's going. She goes every time. He does it every time. Oh my god. Get in there, Oscar. Get in there.

Questions about this episode

Who speaks in "Rachel McAdams Is Honored With a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony"?

Janelle Riley (Host), Rachel McAdams (Guest), Donald Gleeson (Guest), Sam Raimi (Guest), Steve Nissen (Guest).

What is "Rachel McAdams Is Honored With a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony" about?

Rachel McAdams has been officially honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing her significant contributions to the film industry. The ceremony celebrated her authenticity and the impactful performances that have resonated with her generation, as colleagues and fans gathered to acknowledge her achievements in motion pictures.

What is mentioned in this Variety episode?

19 people, works and ideas are mentioned, including Rachel McAdams, The Notebook, Janelle Riley, Send Help, Spotlight, Mean Girls. Each one on this page links to its own page with every episode that mentions it.

How long is "Rachel McAdams Is Honored With a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony"?

The episode runs 1 h 11 min; the transcript is about 4,969 words in 74 timestamped sections.

More from Variety

About this transcript: the episode's spoken words as captioned on YouTube, split into timestamped sections. Reclip.Me locates every person, work and idea in the text, keeps the time it is first named, and quotes the words around it verbatim. Last updated January 25, 2026.