By Chris Murphy
American Graffiti Film Star Mackenzie Phillips inducted to Modesto’s Walk of Fame.
It was a legendary night in Downtown Modesto. It was great to celebrate our American Graffiti culture and honor our 2023 Legends of the Cruise. Modesto USA is the home of American Graffiti and is loaded with wonderful people, who made our history and inspire our stories.
American Graffiti star Mackenzie Phillips was inducted into the Historic Cruise Route, Legends of the Cruise Walk of Fame. She gave a great welcome and thank you speech to the large crowd assembled and shared some stories of the filming of American Graffiti in 1972 when she was 12 years old. She recalled the fun times and long nights inside the yellow deuce coupe with actor Paul LeMat who played John Milner, being directed by George Lucas, hanging on the side of the car. American Graffiti was filmed in less than a month, all at night.
The other 2023 Legends inducted were Sam Autry, Dick Braner, Paul Gissible, Larry Neville and Craig Powell who were all in attendance and shared stories from their early cruising and hot rod days.
Cruise Route Founder and Graffiti USA Museum board member Chris Murphy exclaimed to the crowd, “American Graffiti is our story and our unique place in the world and we are all working hard to tell the world about how cool Modesto USA is.” The large crowd agreed.
During the ceremony that included representatives of our US and California elected officials and a strong contingent of the Modesto City Council, Mayor Sue Zwahlen shared her cruising stories and help present Mackenzie’s award. The Modesto FAROs also presented a $15,000 to the Graffiti USA Museum to help with building the museum.
Thanks to all that came down and rocked the plaza with music from Third Party. It is so great to have these great positive things about Modesto for our past, present and future.
#modestousa #americangraffiti
For More Information
Chris Murphy
209-534-1704
