Councilmember O’Farrell, Community Officially Dedicate “Yma Sumac Square” on Hollywood Boulevard

September 2022 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Yma Sumac, a trailblazing Peruvian American entertainer

HOLLYWOOD – Los Angeles City Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell was today joined by Peruvian American community members, advocates, and leaders to officially dedicate “Yma Sumac Square” at the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Wilcox Avenue, in honor of the legendary singer Yma Sumac.

“Yma Sumac was a uniquely gifted trailblazer for Latin Americans in entertainment,” said Councilmember O’Farrell. “In addition to her artistic talents, Yma Sumac also lived and worked in Hollywood. Yma Sumac Square will serve not just as a tribute to a remarkable person, but as a landmark for the Peruvian American and Latin American community, and a reminder that representation matters.”

Known for her iconic five-octave vocal range, Yma Sumac was born on September 13, 1922 in Callao, Peru. After her early life in her native Peru and, later, New York City, in the 1950s Yma Sumac became a popular recording artist with Capitol Records in Hollywood, where she also lived for decades.

A multi-talented entertainer, Yma Sumac recorded six albums with Capitol Records, in addition to starring in two Hollywood films and two world concert tours. She passed away on November 1, 2008 at the age of 86.

With the intersection at Hollywood and Wilcox now bearing her name, Yma Sumac joins other iconic Latina entertainers for whom intersections on Hollywood Boulevard have been named, notably Carmen Miranda (Hollywood Boulevard and Orange Drive) and Celia Cruz (Hollywood Boulevard and Argyle Avenue).

“This is an extraordinary dedication which will bring much joy to all Yma Sumac fans visiting Hollywood. It will also introduce her to new ones,” said Damon Devine, Yma Sumac’s caretaker and personal assistant. “She would be very touched by this honor, as Hollywood was her home.”