A celebrity is someone who is famous and has a high level of public recognition. They usually get this attention due to their fame as actors, singers or athletes. They may also be renowned academics or politicians. While it is easy to admire and idolise celebrities, their lives are often not without problems. They must deal with hordes of paparazzi and invasive fans. They must also guard their privacy and protect their image. Celebrities also often face health-related issues such as depression or addiction.
Some people become celebrities because of their wealth and power. These include political figures, businessmen, and royalty. Others have achieved this status because of their work and efforts. Examples of these include Marie Curie or Winston Churchill. Some people achieve a celebrity status for their sexual exploits, such as Paris Hilton or Mel Gibson.
There are many different ways to become a celebrity, including acting, singing, dancing or juggling. However, the most common way is to become a television personality or movie star. Celebrities earn a lot of money by appearing at events or promoting products. Some celebrities make millions of dollars in a single year. They can even become multi-billionaires in the course of their career.
Celebrities can also be a source of inspiration and hope for the general population. For example, after Earvin “Magic” Johnson announced that he had HIV, many people called the AIDS hotline to ask for help and information. This is known as the positive celebrity health effect.
Other celebrities have gained popularity through the media, such as journalists, talk show hosts and newsreaders. These people are considered media celebrities because they have an indirect relationship with the public. They are often able to reach the masses with their message, and are sometimes even referred to as public intellectuals.
Moreover, the Internet has helped to create new types of celebrities. Bloggers, forum posters and other online users can all become well-known if they manage to attract enough traffic to their websites. In recent times, the trend has also shifted towards video blogging, in which the celebrity appears on-screen to discuss the latest news and trends.
In addition to these new kinds of celebrities, there are also a number of celebrity ‘dynasties’. These are families that have achieved a level of public recognition through the achievements of their members. These dynasties can be royal (such as the Windsors or the Rockefellers), artistic ‘dynasties’ such as the Barrymore or Cassidy families, or sporting ‘dynasties’ such as the Jackson or Trump families.
Many teenagers look up to celebrities and want to emulate their lifestyle. However, some teens may feel upset when they find out that a celebrity has struggled with depression or addictions. Parents can encourage their children to look for the positive qualities of these stars, such as creativity and dedication. They can also encourage their children to seek out celebrities who openly share their own struggles. This can be a powerful antidote to negative celebrity images.
