A celebrity is an individual who achieves broad public recognition for their work in entertainment and other fields. Celebrities are often wealthy and famous, and their status in society is a source of fascination for many people. Often, their private lives are scrutinized as well as their public careers. Celebrities may also be seen as having lower moral standards than non-celebrities, but this is not always the case. In some cases, celebrities do good things and help others. In other cases, their bad behavior can lead to negative publicity and even ruin careers.
The idea of celebrity dates back to antiquity, with figures like Julius Caesar and Cleopatra enjoying wide acclaim. The modern idea of celebrity began to crystallize in the 18th century, as a result of new media and the rise of photography. Lord Byron, for example, enjoyed widespread fame and adulation for his poetry. But the modern concept of celebrity really took hold during the 19th century, as film stars gained prominence. Stars like Sarah Bernhardt became larger than life figures due to the development of film and penny presses, which allowed their exploits to reach a large audience. The same was true for Broadway stars, opera singers and infamous criminals.
Although anyone can become a celebrity through achieving success in a particular field, certain individuals are more recognizable than others because of their talent, beauty or other attributes. Many people consider movie and TV stars to be celebrities, as well as fashion models and sports icons. Individuals who have achieved a high degree of wealth, such as business leaders or political figures, are also sometimes considered celebrities. In addition, a number of families have achieved celebrity status as a result of their history or ongoing activities. These include the royal family, celebrity couples such as the Barrymores and Cassidys, and artistic dynasties such as the Rockefeller, Jackson, Osbourne, Kardashian and Osmond families.
If you would like to meet or communicate with a celebrity, it is best to reach out through one of their representatives. These include agents, managers and publicists. They can assist you in establishing contact with the celebrity for whatever purpose you have, such as fan mail or business inquiries. Be sure to research the representative’s role before reaching out to him or her. For example, booking queries are typically handled by agents, endorsement discussions are managed by managers and media requests are steered by publicists. Attempting to contact a celebrity without contacting the proper representative could lead to confusion and missed opportunities.
