Pittsburgh Walk of Fame announces 2026 honorees
The second group of names to be featured on the new Pittsburgh Walk of Fame has been determined, and it includes people in fields ranging from the arts and sciences to sports and industry.
The 10 inductees are: sportscaster and creator of the Terrible Towel Myron Cope, dancer and choreographer Martha Graham, photographer Charles “Teenie” Harris, Pittsburgh Steeler and civic leader Franco Harris, entrepreneur H. J. Heinz, actress and singer Shirley Jones, Pittsburgh Penguins player/owner and philanthropist Mario Lemieux, composer Henry Mancini, actor James Stewart, and inventor and industrialist George Westinghouse.
All 10 will have their names featured on large bronze stars that will be embedded in the sidewalk at the Strip District Terminal, located on Smallman Street, from 16th Street to 21st Street. Each star will be accompanied by a narrative plaque that briefly describes the honoree’s key achievements and ties to the Pittsburgh region, while a customized app provides more information and visuals.
“Everyone involved in creating this visitor attraction is delighted with the choice of these 10 honorees,” says Nancy Polinsky Johnson, founder and executive director of the nonprofit Pittsburgh Walk of Fame. “This dynamic group really represents the diversity of the talented people who have come out of southwestern Pennsylvania and made a noteworthy mark on American culture. And that’s what this Walk is designed to celebrate.”
The inductees were chosen through a process that began with nominations coming from the public. A list of those nominees was then sent to a selection committee of nearly 150 leaders from colleges and universities, cultural institutions, news outlets, historical societies, chambers of commerce, community development associations, and visitors bureaus from the 10-county southwestern Pennsylvania area. Committee members voted for their selections, and based on that vote tally, the Pittsburgh Walk of Fame board made the final determination.
Mario Lemieux is scheduled to appear at the induction ceremony, which will take place Oct. 13, at 10:30 a.m. at The Terminal, and select individuals will be on hand to accept the honor on behalf of the nine other inductees. River City Brass will perform, and the public is invited to attend.
For more information, go online to pittsburghwalkoffame.org.