April 8, 2008, Los Angeles, CA: Some of the country's best known composers and lyricists gathered today to honor Stephen Schwartz as he received his own star on Hollywood Boulevard. ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, also hosted a special reception to celebrate Schwartz's legendary career. Among the distinguished composers, lyricists, directors and actors taking part in the day's festivities were: Stephen Schwartz, Desmond Child, Ian Frasier, Michael Weiner, Alan Zachary, Dan Foliart, Nancy Dussault, Fred Willard, Jo Anne Worley, John Rubenstein, Paris Barclay, Gordon Hunt and Ben Vereen.

Schwartz, who has been nominated for six Academy Awards and has won three, wrote the lyrics for the Disney features, "Pocahontas," "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and "Enchanted," as well as the songs for DreamWorks' "The Prince of Egypt." His well-known film songs include the Academy-Award-winning "Colors of the Wind" and "When You Believe," and date back to the 70s with "Day by Day," "Beautiful City," and "Butterflies Are Free."

Schwartz's star is in front of the Pantages Theatre, where WICKED is in its second year. WICKED, which opened on October 30, 2003 in New York, is truly a worldwide phenomenon with four companies in North America, as well as productions in London, Tokyo, and Stuttgart, and a fourth international production opening next summer in Melbourne.

When WICKED plays its 1900th performance in New York later this year, he will become the only writer of any kind ever to have three shows – WICKED, "Pippin" and "The Magic Show" run more than 1900 performances on Broadway. He also wrote music and lyrics for the worldwide phenomenon "Godspell."

In addition to his own accomplishments, Schwartz is a tireless supporter of new composers and lyricists. Through his work with The ASCAP Foundation, with the support of Disney, he has been artistic director for a musical theatre workshop in Los Angeles for over 10 years, in addition to leading an annual workshop in New York. Schwartz also serves as a member of the Board of Governors on the ASCAP board and is a member of the Council of Dramatists' Guild.