The word celebrity has come to mean a person who is famous for their achievements and popularity. The meaning of the term has changed over time and today it is associated with people in the entertainment industry such as film stars, singers and musicians and also high ranking politicians. In addition, people who create their own content and gain a large following on social media can become celebrities as well. This is often known as being an influencer.
The origins of modern celebrity culture are often associated with the rise of Hollywood. The studio system created a specialized kind of fame that was distinct from that rooted in traditional accomplishments and birthright. Stars became larger than life and the persona they cultivated often took precedence over their performance. This new form of celebrity allowed audiences to feel that they knew the actor even if this persona was constructed through gossip, manufactured publicity and product endorsements. This heightened the sense of intimacy between the celebrity and audience.
Celebrity became a part of the mainstream with the introduction of television. This facilitated the growth of new forms of celebrity. Rather than being tied to concrete achievements, a celebrity could be known as much for their appearance, personality and scandalous behavior as for any particular accomplishment. This blurred the line between public and private life and influenced broader cultural norms as to what is considered acceptable.
While fame was once a status that could be bestowed for meritorious deeds or hereditary position, such as Alexander the Great, Joan of Arc or Charlemagne, it came to embody a kind of unearned privilege. It was not tied to any specific action or alleged quality and therefore it could be earned by anyone.
During the 19th century, the development of mass media allowed the image of celebrity to expand and grow exponentially. Gossip magazines, hagiography and the proliferation of human-interest stories fueled the rise of celebrity. As the 20th century progressed, film and television further exploded the concept of celebrity. Movie stars, talk show hosts and athletes became household names.
Today, the world of celebrities is a complex and multifaceted realm that mirrors societal trends and issues. Celebrities are not necessarily a negative force as they can raise awareness about important topics. However, some celebrities can also be problematic. Some celebrities are involved in controversial political activities and others use their fame to promote a specific agenda or cause.
Some people become famous as members of bands such as Take That, One Direction and ABBA. Similarly, some people become famous as solo artists such as Adele and Robbie Williams. Finally, some people can become celebrities as a result of winning a reality TV show such as American Idol or The X Factor. These celebrities are often referred to as influencers and can earn a substantial amount of money through their online presence. However, it is also important to remember that this type of fame can have a detrimental impact on mental health.