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Derry actress Roma Downey gets star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

 Roma Downey beside her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles yesterday
 Roma Downey beside her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles yesterday  Roma Downey beside her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles yesterday

A STAR on the Hollywood 'Walk of Fame' was yesterday unveiled with the name of Derry-born actress Roma Downey.

The star of US television drama Touched by an Angel was honoured on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles.

The Golden Globe and Emmy-nominated actress took her place alongside legends of the silver screen including Marilyn Monroe, Julie Andrews, Humphrey Bogart and John Wayne.

The 56-year-old, originally from the Bogside area of Derry, was honoured with the 2,586th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Speaking at the unveiling, Downey said she wanted to dedicate the star to "all the people of Derry and anybody who walked down this boulevard with a dream in their heart."

She said: "Hello to everyone in Derry. Up Derry! I am just sending all my love across the sea. This is a great day for the Irish.

"25 years ago I came to America from Ireland looking for my American dream."

The Derry actress told the crowd that soon after arriving in America, she was tipped by TV star and actor Regis Philbin in a New York restaurant while working as a coat clerk, and years later found herself appearing as a guest on Philbin's TV show.

Downey said: "Only in America could that happen. One year you are checking coats and the next you are starring on TV."

Downey's star is placed next to her husband's, producer Mark Burnett, who joined her at the unveiling.