Chevrolet Suburban brings a piece of its movie star fame to its hometown in Arlington, Texas where the SUV is assembled. The celebrity spotlight shone on Suburban in Arlington Monday morning, as local VIPs cheered the unveiling of the first-ever Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Award of Excellence star in Texas. The Suburban’s star is located in Arlington’s Entertainment District, between Globe Life Park and AT&T Football Stadium.
In 2019, the Suburban became the first vehicle to earn the Hollywood Chamber’s Award of Excellence for its iconic role in film and television. The iconic SUV has appeared in over 1,750 films and TV series.
General Motors’ Arlington Assembly Plant set another important milestone record, building its 12 millionth vehicle—a Suburban—earlier this month.
Photo: Jo Ann Holt
Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams, Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President Rana Ghadban, and General Motors Arlington Assembly Plant Executive Director Bill Kulhanek unveiled the star’s new permanent location. Chevrolet chose the location to celebrate the Suburban’s footprint in the city and its enduring popularity with Texas customers.
“The Suburban is truly a staple in both Texas and Hollywood, and the city of Arlington is honored to play a role in recognizing the Suburban today and every day at the GM Arlington Assembly plant,” Williams said. “We’re also proud to proclaim today, June 21, ‘Suburban Day’ to recognize the Suburban’s continuing legacy in Texas, Hollywood, and around the world.”
The Award of Excellence star recognizes the Suburban’s robust acting career, appearing in more than 1,750 films and TV series. The Suburban is Hollywood’s longest working actor and an icon on the Hollywood scene. The Suburban is a one-of-a-kind character actor with its own persona. Its career in Hollywood began in 1952, when it first appeared on the silver screen.
Hollywood Chamber Award of Excellence
Photo: Harry and the Hendersons 1947 Suburban courtesy Chevrolet
“There is no other character actor like the Chevy Suburban. It can fit into any type of role with ease. When it arrives in a movie or TV series, it can instantly bring a feeling of significance, suspense, or knowing the day is about to be saved,” said Ghadban. “This marks the first Award of Excellence star outside of California. We are excited to permanently place the Suburban’s Award of Excellence star in its home state of Texas.”
As the Chevrolet Suburban continues its Hollywood legacy, fans can celebrate its heritage when visiting Arlington’s Entertainment District. The space is free and open to the public.
Arlington Assembly Plant has produced over 12 million vehicles since production began. They now produce segment-leading Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban for 33 countries around the world. The 5,677 employees who assemble these vehicles make the Suburban’s Hollywood career possible.
“We are so proud to build the Chevrolet Suburban in Texas, where it is beloved by many, both on and off the screen,” Kulhanek said. “The capability, cargo space, and technology make the Suburban a customer favorite that has stood the test of time.”
Photo: Suburban High Country photo by Holt
First introduced in 1935, Suburban is the longest-running nameplate in automotive history. It continues to be an American icon both on the road and on the big screen. In 2020, Texans bought more Suburbans than the 22 other states, combined. For more information, please visit Chevrolet.com/Suburban.
For 100 years, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has provided leadership, business development resources, networking, and government affairs programs. Their programs and services keep the Hollywood business and residential communities safe, relevant, and economically vital. Nicole Mihalka is the Chair of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 2021-2022, and Rana Ghadban is the President/CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.
Arlington, the 49th largest city in America, is a global community, recognized as the 8th most diverse city in the country. As a premiere entertainment destination, Arlington attracts nearly 14 million visitors each year. The city is home to Six Flags Over Texas and Hurricane Harbor, Texas Live!, and three professional sports franchises: the Dallas Cowboys, the Texas Rangers, and the WNBA’s Dallas Wings. The City, positioned at the center of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, is also proud to be the home of The University of Texas at Arlington, General Motors, D.R. Horton, and a host of global, domestic, and family-owned businesses.
