Hollywood Hills News
Grauman's Chinese Theatre Is Renamed To TCL
By Katherine Noland
Jan 11, 2013 - 3:57:32 PM

HOLLYWOOD—It was announced Friday, January 11 that the tourist hot spot The Grauman’s Chinese Theatre will be renamed to TCL Chinese Theatre.

Chinese manufacturing company TCL (The Creative Life) spent over $5 million for naming rights of the 85-year-old historical landmark on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. Improvements are planned as a part of the company’s 10-year licensing deal, including upgraded seating and equipment and improvements to the theatre’s promotional campaign. TCL, an electronics and T.V. manufacturing company, is one of China’s first globalized enterprises, according to the company’s website.

The renamed TCL Chinese Theatre was opened in 1927 by showman Sid Grauman, and has since been in the hands of many over the years. At one point in the 1970s it was called Mann’s Chinese Theatre, after the then owner Ted Mann. It is currently owned by producers Donald Kushner “Tron: Legacy” and Elie Samaha “The Whole Nine Yards.”

The theatre is known for hosting a number of premieres, about 40 annually. The soon-to-be-released film “Gangster Squad” premiered there on Monday, January 7, and on January 14 it will host the premiere of “The Last Stand.”