Rachel McAdams Gets Walk of Fame Star; Partner Jamie Linden Makes Rare Public Appearance

LOS ANGELES — Canadian actress Rachel McAdams became the latest star to land a spot onto the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday, marking a historic milestone in her illustrious acting career. The actress received the 2,833rd star in Walk of Fame history. In a notably emotional ceremony, Rachel McAdam's longtime partner Jamie Linden made a surprise appearance at the Mean Girls star's Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony Jan. 20.

A Celebrated Career Recognized

The Canadian actress was recognised with the honour for her contributions to film with credits including in Mean Girls, The Notebook, and Spotlight. McAdams, an Academy Award- and Tony Award-nominated actress whose illustrious career includes starring roles in beloved films like Mean Girls, The Notebook and Spotlight, received the honor during an emotional ceremony held on Tuesday.

The 47-year-old actress has become one of Hollywood's most respected performers, known for her versatility across genres and her dedication to her craft. The Walk of Fame recognition represents the culmination of decades of professional achievement and industry respect.

Emotional Tributes and Support

The ceremony included speeches from director Sam Raimi and actor Domhnall Gleeson, both of whom have worked closely with McAdams. Gleeson, who starred with McAdams in the 2013 film About Time, delivered a heartfelt yet humorous tribute to the actress. Gleeson joked about why he doesn't think his former costar deserves a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, before referring to her as "the loveliest person I ever met in my life." "Rachel, I don't think you deserve this," Gleeson said. "Life, and more importantly, Hollywood, has taught me that you are not supposed to have it all. It is not fair to be everyone's favorite person on set and the best actor in the room. It is selfish of you to be a devoted mother of two, putting family above all else, and a huge movie star continually knocking it out of the park, commercially and artistically."

Director Sam Raimi, who worked with McAdams on her forthcoming film Send Help, offered similar praise. The Spider-Man director concluded his speech by telling McAdams, "Congratulations, Rachel. You are so kind and considerate. You're a brilliant collaborator and a good friend, and a real movie star — someone deserving of lighting up this Hollywood Walk of Fame. And you are really deserving of this honor. And we all love you."

Jamie Linden's Rare Public Appearance

Perhaps the most noteworthy aspect of Tuesday's ceremony was the appearance of longtime partner Jamie Linden, with whom she shares a 7-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter. Tuesday's ceremony marked a rare joint public outing for McAdams and Linden, who have kept their relationship out of the spotlight since they began dating in 2016.

The outing was an extremely rare one for Rachel and her family, as the 47-year-old has not often been seen with Jamie, 45, since the two were first romantically linked in 2016. The pair have also maintained their family's privacy since welcoming their son in 2018 and their daughter in 2020, opting not to share their kids' names with the world.

A Heartfelt Acceptance Speech

During her acceptance speech, McAdams paid tribute to the most important people in her life. Rachel herself gave a shoutout to her partner and her sister Kayleen McAdams during her acceptance speech. "To Jamie my North Star, Kayleen my other North Star," she said through tears. McAdams also thanked her parents, Lance and Sandra McAdams, becoming visibly emotional as she reflected on their early encouragement of her acting ambitions. She recalled 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.

Film star Rachel McAdams has thanked the late actress Diane Keaton for taking her under her wing like she was "her own daughter" during her Hollywood Walk of Fame speech, with a special mention to her "beloved" The Family Stone co-star Keaton, who died from pneumonia in October aged 79.

A Private Partnership

McAdams and Linden have been linked since 2016 and have largely kept their relationship private. The couple share two children, a son born in 2018 and a daughter born in 2020. Linden is known for his work on films such as Dear John and Money Monster.

The screenwriter's presence at the ceremony underscored McAdams' commitment to keeping her personal life grounded and centered on family, despite her status as a major Hollywood star. The couple's intentional privacy has made their rare joint appearance all the more significant for fans and observers.

Looking Forward

McAdams' latest film, Send Help, directed by Raimi, opens in theaters on January 30. As the actress continues to take on diverse and challenging roles, the Walk of Fame star serves as a testament to her enduring impact on cinema and her peers in the industry.

The ceremony highlighted not only McAdams' professional achievements but also her character and values. Her emphasis on family, gratitude, and humility resonated throughout her remarks, painting a portrait of an accomplished artist who remains grounded and grateful for the support system that has sustained her career and personal life.