Chevy Suburban Turns 85, and Its Star Shines Brighter than Ever
Iconic vehicle starred in more than 1,750 films and television series since 1952.
The Chevrolet Suburban not only celebrates its 85th anniversary this year, but it is also the first vehicle ever awarded an Award of Excellence star at Hollywood & Highland, near the stars of fellow past honorees like Britney Spears and the rock bands Rush and Journey. Presented by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and unveiled at a ceremony on Hollywood Boulevard a few months ago, the award recognizes the Suburban for its 67-year career in Hollywood film and television.
“For six decades the Chevrolet Suburban has been Hollywood’s longest-working actor,” said Rana Ghadban, president and CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. “Appearing in classic feature films and on must-see television shows, the Suburban is a well-established industry mainstay. With the Chevrolet Tahoe also making an impact in movies and on television, it’s impressive to have both vehicles now join an illustrious group of actors and characters that are forever known as Hollywood legends.”
During its acting career, the Suburban evolved to become the ultimate character actor, able to play the hero, the villain, or the family alike.
‘The popularity of Suburban and Tahoe in film was first inspired by the real-life roles they played in the military, in law enforcement, and family trips around the world.’
“There’s really nothing else like the Chevrolet Suburban in this business, for two reasons,” said Dennis McCarthy, Hollywood picture car coordinator. “First, it’s one of the most versatile vehicles in the business, able to fit with any type of character. Second, it can help instantly give a scene added importance. When a convoy of black Suburbans appears on screen, you know that’s not the time to leave your seat to buy popcorn.”
Bt the Chevrolet Suburban is much more than just a Hollywood star. It is an icon, one certified as such by the legendary Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. “The name Suburban is so widely recognized that at various times over history it was used by a few vehicle manufacturers,” Petersen Automotive Museum curator Leslie Kendall recently told the Chicago Tribune. “But the Chevrolet Suburban was the forerunner of the modern SUV, has stood the test of time, becoming a fixture of Americana.”
The Chevy Suburban became a pop culture presence in 1952, when it first appeared on the silver screen. Since then, Suburban has starred in more than 1,750 films and television series. It has appeared in at least one television series every year since 1956, and at least one film every year since 1960. Suburban has also appeared in more than 30 award-nominated films.
The filmography is even more impressive when combined with the Chevy Tahoe. Together, Tahoe and Suburban have appeared in more than 2,500 films and television shows. Since the Tahoe was introduced in 1995, it has appeared in at least one film and television show every year.
“This is a great example of how life and art influence each other,” says Tim Kozub, design manager for Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe. “The popularity of Suburban and Tahoe in film was first inspired by the real-life roles they played in the military, in law enforcement, and family trips around the world. Today, their role in Hollywood inspired the design of the all-new models, as we integrated the sense of capability, action, and importance associated with Suburban and Tahoe on screen.”
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