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Photos: Polisher to the Hollywood stars

John Peterson, 61, has spent 14 years polishing celebrities' stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. "Chewing gum should be banned globally," says the one-legged man. See full story

John Peterson, 61, has spent 14 years polishing celebrities’ stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “Chewing gum should be banned globally,” says the one-legged man.
See full story  (John W. Adkisson / Los Angeles Times)

A special touch

Peterson scrapes off a clump of chewing gum from the star of actress Cass Daley, on Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. With 2,412 stars lining nearly three miles of sidewalk, it’s a full-time job.
See full story  (John W. Adkisson / Los Angeles Times)

Midday

Peterson takes a lunch break. He polishes about 110 stars a day.
See full story  (John W. Adkisson / Los Angeles Times)

His tools

Peterson carries Brasso metal polisher and paper towels in a plastic bag.
See full story  (John W. Adkisson / Los Angeles Times)

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Getting the job done

Peterson, a West Virginia native, doesn’t talk much about his amputated right leg, but he knows a lot about Hollywood. “I’m cautiously optimistic about Hollywood’s future. The economy has slowed things down; they need to rejuvenate tourism here,” he says.
See full story  (John W. Adkisson / Los Angeles Times)

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