Have you ever closely examined the Hollywood sign and felt like something was just a bit off? If so, you’re not alone. And if you haven’t noticed anything strange before, you’re about to discover what many have overlooked. But be warned—once you see it, you can’t unsee it.

A Subtle Quirk in the Hollywood Sign Jeff Zarrinman, chairman of the Hollywood Sign Trust, has long been intrigued by a small but noticeable detail in the iconic Hollywood sign. In an interview with News.com.au, he revealed that once people spot this subtle quirk, they’ll never look at the sign the same way again. The issue? It’s all about the “W.”

Take a moment to focus on the shape of the “W” in “Hollywood.” Does anything seem off? If you’re struggling to see it, here’s a clue: the left gap of the letter forms a much narrower “V” compared to the right side.

“I love pointing this out to people standing in front of the sign,” Zarrinman shared. “Everyone admires it, but almost no one notices this tiny flaw. When I tell them that one of the ‘V’ shapes in the ‘W’ is significantly smaller than the other, they’re stunned.”

He continued, “So yes, if you want to call it a mistake, it’s right there for everyone to see—but most people miss it, even if they’ve been looking at the sign for hours. And once they do notice it, they can’t unsee it.”

The History Behind the Hollywood Sign The Hollywood sign has a rich history that extends far beyond its asymmetrical “W.” It all started in 1923 when real estate developer and Los Angeles Times publisher Harry Chandler envisioned a giant sign to promote a new housing development. The goal was simple yet brilliant: create a highly visible advertisement for the neighborhood known as “Hollywoodland.”

For years, the sign successfully attracted potential buyers and solidified Hollywoodland as a desirable residential area. But when the Great Depression hit in the 1930s, the housing market took a severe downturn, and property sales plummeted. Hollywoodland was not spared from the economic impact, and as funds dwindled, the maintenance of the sign suffered.

Without money for upkeep, the once-glowing sign fell into disrepair. The lights dimmed, the structure weakened, and by the early 1940s, it was in dire condition. In 1944, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce stepped in, recognizing the sign’s cultural significance. They decided to shorten “Hollywoodland” to just “Hollywood,” reflecting the city’s growing reputation as the entertainment capital of the world.

A Fight to Preserve the Hollywood Sign Originally built as a temporary promotional piece, the Hollywood sign was never meant to be permanent. However, by the 1940s, it had already become a beloved symbol of Hollywood and the film industry. The Chamber of Commerce took on the responsibility of maintaining it to preserve its legacy.

But by the 1970s, the sign had once again fallen into serious disrepair. The Chamber realized that a simple fix wouldn’t be enough—this time, they needed a complete restoration. The plan? Dismantle the entire sign and rebuild it from the ground up.

To fund the costly project, Zarrinman led multiple fundraisers, eventually raising $250,000 to restore the sign to its original grandeur.

“The sign had so many devoted fans, and the community was eager to help,” Zarrinman said. “In April 1978, the Chamber launched the ‘Save the Sign Committee’ to protect this cultural landmark.”

Celebrities Step In to Save the Hollywood Sign The movement to save the Hollywood sign didn’t just attract support from the public—it also caught the attention of Hollywood’s biggest stars. High-profile figures such as Hugh Hefner, Alice Cooper, and the Warner Brothers each sponsored a letter to fund the restoration. Hefner, founder of Playboy, took on the letter “Y,” while rock star Alice Cooper sponsored one of the “O”s.

The involvement of celebrities heightened media attention and rallied the public, making the restoration effort a major cultural event. By the end of 1978, the Hollywood sign had been completely rebuilt, securing its place as an enduring symbol of the entertainment industry.

A Legacy of Imperfection Today, the Hollywood sign remains one of the world’s most recognized landmarks. Yet even after its grand restoration, it still carries that subtle imperfection—the slightly uneven “W.” Zarrinman’s revelation serves as a reminder that even the most iconic things can have their quirks, and sometimes, those small details make them even more special.

The Hollywood sign’s journey from a simple real estate advertisement to an internationally recognized symbol highlights the unpredictable ways cultural landmarks evolve. It was never intended to become the defining emblem of the entertainment industry, yet over time, it grew into that role—just as Hollywood itself transformed into the global capital of film and television.

So the next time you find yourself looking up at the Hollywood sign, take a closer look. Beyond its immense scale and historical significance, you might just notice the small, charming imperfection that gives it even more character. And once you see it, you’ll never be able to unsee it.