With the introduction of television to post-World War II American society, celebrities became a significant part of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. These celebrities have come from every avenue of entertainment, including vaudeville, film, music, sports, theater, comedy, and television. Appearing atop convertibles and extravagant floats, celebrities wave at crowds, perform songs, and simply stir excitement among their fans.

Jackie Gleason, Jack Sterling and the Range Rider watch the parade's finish in 1952

Some of the earliest celebrities to appear came even before the advent of television and included such figures as musician Benny Goodman and vaudeville entertainer-turned comedian Harpo Marx (both appeared in the 1930’s).[1] The 1950’s saw film and TV stars like Jackie Gleason of the popular show “The Honeymooners,” movie star Jimmy Durante, and child-actress Shirley Temple, who appeared on a float at the age of 31 as “the storybook queen.”[2]

The year 1969 introduced crowds to the “Miracle Mets,” when Tug McGraw, Ron Taylor, and Ron Swoboda appeared on the back of a blue convertible. The team had just won their first world championship. The players’ inclusion in the parade marked the beginning of Macy’s longstanding tradition of honoring champion New York sports-teams.[3]

More recent celebrities include singer Diana Ross and the multi-talented Sammy Davis Jr., who appeared in the parade in the 1980’s. The past decade has seen a wealth of singers and TV stars, ranging from pop-stars Christina Aguilera and 98 Degrees, to children’s show-hosts Steve Irwin (of “Crocodile Hunter”) and Steve Burns (of “Blues Clues.”).

Since the new millennium, celebrities have included popular singers Andrea Bocelli and Gavin Degraw, actress Brooke Shields, the Canadian alternative-rock group Barenaked Ladies, and the 2004 summer Olympics medalists, among many others.

Obviously, the celebrities appearing in the parade stand as a reflection of cultural preferences of the time. For example, with the recent craze of reality TV and behind-the-scenes talent competitions, American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken was featured on the 2003 Hershey’s float where he performed for a crowd full of young fans.

Often these celebrities appear as a compliment to company-sponsored floats advertising a specific product. While some celebrities are included because they are closely linked to the product (for example, they might star in the show being advertised), at times they have little connection at all and are included so as to add glamour and excitement to the display. Often, singers will perform songs that are vaguely related to the float’s theme, while other times they perform their own songs to advertise the release of a new album.

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[Images]
Jackie Gleason image courtesy of: <http://www.nycvisit.com/content/index.cfm?pagePkey=805> © 2005 NYC & Company, Inc
Miracle Mets image courtesy of: <http://www.nycvisit.com/content/index.cfm?pagePkey=805> © 2005 NYC & Company, Inc
Clay Aiken image courtesy of: Leo Cloutier <http://www.pbase.com/traderboynh/macys_thanksgiving_day_parade>
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[Citations]
[1]"Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade History," New York City Vacation Package, n.d., <http://www.nycvp.com/frames/theater/thanksgiving_parade_info.htm> (6 December 2005).
[2]"Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade History," New York City Vacation Package, n.d., <http://www.nycvp.com/frames/theater/thanksgiving_parade_info.htm> (6 December 2005).
[3]"Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade History," New York City Vacation Package, n.d., <http://www.nycvp.com/frames/theater/thanksgiving_parade_info.htm> (6 December 2005).

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