Rachel McAdams Honored With Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star

Rachel McAdams, the acclaimed Canadian actress best known for her roles in films like The Notebook and Mean Girls, reached a new milestone in her career on January 20, 2026. The 47-year-old star was honored with her very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, joining a pantheon of entertainment icons whose names line the storied boulevard. The event, filled with laughter, tears, and heartfelt tributes, became a rare glimpse into the private world of a celebrity who’s managed to keep much of her personal life out of the spotlight.

McAdams was joined at the ceremony by her longtime partner, screenwriter Jamie Linden, 45, marking a rare joint public appearance for the couple. Linden, known for his work on films such as Dear John and Money Monster, sat in the audience, beaming with pride as McAdams addressed the crowd. The couple, who have been together since 2016, have long preferred to keep their relationship—and their growing family—out of the public eye. Still, on this special day, McAdams made it clear just how central Linden is to her life.

"It seems silly to just have my name on here, so I share this little piece of Earth with all of you," McAdams said, as reported by Parade. She went on to pay tribute to her family, friends, co-stars, and professional team, but reserved special words for Linden. "To Jamie, my North Star, [sister] Kayleen, my other North Star, thank you for being such a great team and keeping me quasi-normal. I love you all so much. Thank you so much."

Her words echoed the deep gratitude she feels for her support system. According to The Tribune, McAdams also thanked her parents, Lance and Sandra, for their unwavering encouragement throughout her journey. She became visibly emotional as she recalled a childhood memory: "I do want to freeze time for a second because you only get a few of these moments in life to thank you on this stage for everything. All of it. All of it is because of you and the love you gave us and the beautiful childhood you gave us and for believing in me long before I could grasp how to believe in myself." She even reminisced about writing them a letter at age eight, asking for permission to audition for Star Search, crediting their belief in her as foundational to her career.

The ceremony was not just a family affair. It also featured speeches from director Sam Raimi and actor Domhnall Gleeson, both of whom have worked closely with McAdams. Raimi, who directed McAdams in her latest film, Send Help, praised her versatility and dedication. Gleeson, her co-star in About Time, spoke warmly of her professionalism and the joy of working alongside her. These tributes highlighted McAdams’ reputation in the industry as both a talented performer and a generous collaborator.

Receiving the 2,833rd star in Walk of Fame history, McAdams joined a select group whose contributions to film and television have been immortalized in concrete. The moment was especially poignant for fans and colleagues alike, many of whom have followed her journey from her breakout role in Mean Girls to her Oscar-nominated turn in Spotlight. Her career, spanning over two decades, has been marked by a willingness to take on diverse and challenging roles, from romantic comedies to gritty dramas.

While McAdams’ professional life has played out on the big screen, her personal life has remained largely private. She and Linden have two children—a son born in 2018 and a daughter born in 2020. The couple has chosen not to share their children’s names publicly, a decision McAdams explained in a 2018 interview with The Sunday Times: "I want to keep his life private, even if mine isn’t," she said of her son. "But I’m having more fun being a mum than I’ve ever had. Everything about it is interesting and exciting and inspiring to me. Even the tough days—there’s something delightful about them."

Motherhood, she revealed, has been nothing short of transformative. "It’s the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me, hands down," McAdams shared, reflecting on the timing of her journey into parenthood. "[People say] your life is not your own anymore, but I had 39 years of me. I was sick of me. I was so happy to put the focus on some other person." She added, "I waited a long time" to become a mother, emphasizing that she wanted to take on the role only when the time felt right.

Despite her fame, McAdams and Linden have managed to carve out a private space for their family, rarely making public appearances together. The Walk of Fame ceremony thus offered a rare opportunity for fans and the media to see the couple side by side, sharing a moment of joy and accomplishment. Their decision to keep their children’s lives out of the limelight has only added to the public’s fascination, but McAdams has remained steadfast in her commitment to privacy.

In addition to celebrating her past achievements, the ceremony also looked ahead to McAdams’ future projects. Her latest film, Send Help, directed by Sam Raimi, is set to open in theaters on January 30, 2026. The survival thriller marks her first film role since Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, and is expected to further cement her reputation for tackling complex and varied characters. Raimi’s involvement and the buzz surrounding the film have already generated excitement among fans and critics alike.

As the ceremony drew to a close, it was clear that McAdams’ star—both literal and metaphorical—continues to rise. Her humility, gratitude, and dedication to her craft have endeared her to audiences around the world. By sharing the spotlight with those closest to her, McAdams offered a reminder that even in an industry often focused on individual achievement, success is rarely a solo endeavor.

For Rachel McAdams, the Hollywood Walk of Fame star is more than just a marker of professional accomplishment; it’s a testament to the love, support, and teamwork that have shaped her journey. As she embarks on the next chapter of her career, both fans and colleagues will no doubt be watching—and cheering her on—every step of the way.