Kenneth Branagh cemented his status as a Hollywood star on Thursday, as he left his handprints and footprints at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles. He was hailed as the new Laurence Olivier at the start of a 35-year career that has seen him move from Shakespearean stage actor to film star and director. "It's very, very touching," the 56-year-old Northern Irishman said after the ceremony. "If you come here as a kid and you've walked these streets and counted these names and these footprints, really you never imagine to be part of it, so being part of it is really a big thrill." He directed Murder On The Orient Express, which will open worldwide next month.