I’ve lived in Hollywood, right in the thick of the renaissance, for the past decade. This has its pros and cons, but one thing I’ve enjoyed about living here is that it’s been fascinating to witness the renewal of Hollywood, to see the formerly glamorous town gone bad return to being a desired destination. It’s gotten to the point in the last several years where even celebrities are back, although they tend to only come out at night and then stick to their designated celebrity hangouts. Another upside has been the influx of tourists who, after years of disappointment, finally get to see a shiny, vibrant Hollywood that meets their expectations.

One particular group of locals that has benefited from the tourist-infested rebirth of Hollywood are the street performers who hang out on Hollywood Boulevard dressed as iconic movie and TV characters. They congregate mostly in front of the historic Grauman’s Chinese Theater, sometimes drifting as far as next door to the Virgin Megastore and Hollywood & Highland complex.

Why do they do it? Apparently, it’s a living. They pose for pictures with tourists, hoping for tips in return. In general, they make the tourists happy, which is important, even if they frequently run afoul of local business owners and the LAPD.

The cast is seemingly endless. The Star Wars universe is represented by Darth Vader, Yoda, and the occasional Storm Trooper. Superheroes abound: Superman, Batman, Spiderman, Wonder Woman, and Mr. Incredible. Stars of yesteryear live on in the forms of Marilyn Monroe and Charlie Chaplin. In fact the best Chaplin impersonator I’ve ever seen was a woman who worked as The Little Tramp out in front of the Chinese Theater a few years back.

Mickey Mouse makes frequent appearances and an amazingly authentic Captain Jack Sparrow is a regular. Disney characters on parade never fail to amaze me since the Mouse House is known for hyper-vigilance of its trademarked characters. I’m not sure if they somehow miss these particular unauthorized uses or if they choose to turn a blind eye. Either way it’s not like them, but again, it makes the tourists happy.

The Incredible Hulk, Pinhead from Hellraiser, a diminutive Chucky and the Scream Ghost Face Guy lurk about. A sequined, single-gloved Michael Jackson is still around, moonwalking for the tourists. Apparently the former King of Pop is still big with the Japanese, and of course, Elvis still lives (and poses for pictures) in Hollywood.