There are very few people in Hollywood that would willingly turn the spotlight away from themselves. Even fewer people would do so at an event honoring their personal body of work. But Jack Williams is no ordinary Hollywood personality.

In attendance at the Walk of Western Stars event will be several of Jack William’s fellow stuntmen, each a celebrity in the stunt world. Williams will welcome Chuck Hicks, Gregg Palmer, Robert Hoy, Terry J. Leonard, Dick Jones, Ted White, Buddy Vanhorn, Morgan Woodward, Jan Shepard, Fred Krone, Royden Clark, and Jeff Ramsey as his guests to share some of the honor. Their combined body of work includes over 2,000 films and television shows.

Stuntmen, who often act as stand-ins for high profile stars during dangerous filming, have their own awards, the “World Stunt Awards.” Until recently, though, stuntmen have been virtually hidden from the public to preserve the “magic of the movies.” While the award at the Walk of Western Stars will be given to Jack Williams for his work as a stuntman and director, it is clear that his time as a stand-in has not been forgotten. His friends and colleagues will be right by his side as he accepts the award.

“Mr. Williams came to the City when he found out he would be honored at the dinner, and he insisted that his colleagues be a part of the event,” said City Manager Ken Pulskamp. “Here is a man being honored for a profession that is rarely even acknowledged by the public, and he wants to share the night with his buddies. The camaraderie is inspiring.”

The Walk of Western Stars gala is a sold out event, but tickets for the 2005 Cowboy Festival can be purchased on-site at the Festival shuttle pick-up located just off San Fernando Road at 13^th Street in Newhall, Saturday April 30 and Sunday May 1. For more information, check out www.cowboyfestival.org!