The second class of Pittsburgher’s to be enshrined on the “Pittsburgh Walk of Fame” have been announced.
Following last year’s successful induction of names like Fred Rogers, Andrew Carnegie, Michael Keaton, Roberto Clemente, Jonas Salk, Rachel Carson and more, 10 more icons will get a on star in the Strip District.
They are:
Myron Cope – Steelers broadcaster and creator of the Terrible Towel
Martha Graham – Dancer and choreographer
Charles “Teenie” Harris – Photographer
Franco Harris – Pittsburgh Steelers running back
H.J. Heinz – Entrepreneur behind creation of Heinz
Shirley Jones – Actress and Singer
Mario Lemieux – Five-time Stanley Cup Champion with the Penguins (2 as a player, 3 as owner)
Henry Mancini – Composer
Jimmy Stewart – Actor
George Westinghouse – Inventor and Industrialist
All of the inductees will receive a large bronze start that will be embedded into the sidewalk at the Strip District Terminal on Smallman Street.
“Everyone involved in creating this visitor attraction is delighted with the choice of these ten honorees,” says Nancy Polinsky Johnson, founder and executive director of the nonprofit Pittsburgh Walk of Fame. “This dynamic group really represents the diversity of the talented people who have come out of southwestern Pennsylvania and made a noteworthy mark on American culture. And that’s what this Walk is designed to celebrate.”
The induction ceremony is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, October 13 at 10:30 a.m. at the Terminal with Mario Lemieux scheduled to appear.
Nominations begin with public input, followed by a selection committee and a final determination is made by the Pittsburgh Walk of Fame board, based on voting.
Learn more about the inductees below:
Pittsburgh Walk of Fame 2026 Inductees
Myron Cope (1929-2008) Sportswriter and broadcaster who was the color commentator for Pittsburgh Steelers radio broadcasts for 35 years, beginning in 1970. A lifelong Pittsburgher, he made his biggest mark as the creator of The Terrible Towel, which he introduced to rally fans for a 1975 playoff game. Now recognized around the world, this iconic black and gold towel, which bears Cope’s name, is one of the best-known fan symbols of any sports team.
Martha Graham (1894-1991) Modern dancer and choreographer whose technique reshaped American dance and is still taught worldwide. The Martha Graham Dance Company remains one of the world’s leading modern dance troupes a century after she founded it. And The Graham School, which she also instituted, is the oldest professional school of dance in the country. Graham was born in what is now Pittsburgh’s North Side and lived there until age 14.
Charles “Teenie” Harris (1908-1998) Photographer who chronicled Pittsburgh’s Black community from the 1930s to the 1980s, shooting more than 80,000 images. Many were published in The Pittsburgh Courier, which was for years the country’s preeminent Black news-weekly. Seen nationwide through the Courier, his photographs played a key role in shaping how Black Americans defined themselves. Harris was born in Pittsburgh and spent his lifetime there.
Franco Harris (1950-2922) Running back and four-time Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 1972, he scored the “Immaculate Reception” touchdown, which gave the Steelers their first playoff win and went on to become one of the most famous plays in sports history. A native of New Jersey, he came to Pittsburgh to play football and remained in the city until he died, becoming a successful entrepreneur and active civic leader.
H. J. Heinz (1844-1919) Entrepreneur behind the H. J. Heinz Company, known worldwide for its ketchup, pickles, and other packaged food products and its “57 Varieties” slogan. In addition, Henry John Heinz pioneered national food safety regulations and progressive welfare standards for his workers. He was born in what is now Pittsburgh’s South Side and grew up in Sharpsburg, where he started his business from his parents’ home. He lived in Pittsburgh until his death.
Shirley Jones (1934- ) Actress and singer who vaulted into public consciousness as the ingénue in the 1955 film Oklahoma! She then played leading roles in such films as Carousel and The Music Man and won an Academy Award for her dramatic role in the 1960 film Elmer Gantry.
Jones later became widely known as Shirley Partridge, the mother in the popular 1970s TV series The Partridge Family. Born in Charleroi, she grew up in Smithton, in Westmoreland County.
Mario Lemieux (1965- ) Hockey Hall of Famer who played his entire professional career with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He captured numerous National Hockey League awards, including multiple scoring titles and MVP awards, and he led the Penguins to two Stanley Cup champion-ships. As an owner, he ensured the team’s future in Pittsburgh and earned three more Stanley Cups. Beyond the ice, his Mario Lemieux Foundation funds cancer research and patient care.
Henry Mancini (1924-1994) Composer, conductor, arranger, and pianist who created many of film and television’s most memorable soundtracks and theme songs. He won four Academy Awards and 20 Grammys for works such as Moon River and The Pink Panther Theme. Born Enrico Nicola Mancini, he grew up in Aliquippa and began his career writing musical arrangements for bands at the Stanley Theatre—now the Benedum Center—in Pittsburgh.
Jimmy Stewart (1908-1997) Actor and decorated World War II bomber pilot who appeared in 80 films, he was known for his drawl and everyman persona. Among his many notable films are It's a Wonderful Life, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Harvey, and several Alfred Hitchcock classics. He won an Academy Award for his role in The Philadelphia Story. A recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, James Maitland Stewart was born and raised in Indiana, Pa.
George Westinghouse (1846-1914) Prolific inventor, engineer, and industrialist best known for creating the railway air brake and pioneering alternating current (AC) electrical power. He received 360 patents for his inventions and, after moving to Pittsburgh at age 22, established 60 companies—most in the Pittsburgh area. He lived and worked in the city for most of his life, and his Westinghouse Electric Company continues to operate, headquartered in Cranberry Township.
