Whether it’s a sports star who breaks the record for a new fastest mile, a singer who sings with passion or an actor who delivers a powerful performance, celebrity status is based on a person’s unique talents and skills. While the concept of celebrity has changed over time, it is still a highly influential force in modern society. The evolution of this phenomenon can provide insight into cultural values and the forces shaping public life.
In antiquity, Julius Caesar, Cleopatra and Alexander the Great were celebrities for their political accomplishments and legendary qualities. In medieval Europe, kings, saints and philosophers gained fame. As printing technology advanced in the eighteenth century, authors and poets like Rousseau, Byron and Voltaire garnered widespread public acclaim and often had dedicated followers. With the rise of modern mass media in the 1900s, actresses Sarah Bernhardt and Charlie Chaplin, film stars William Powell and Bette Davis, opera singers Caruso and Maria Callas, and musicians Bing Crosby and Elvis Presley achieved celebrity status. In the 21st century, reality television and social media democratized this phenomenon by making ordinary people famous through their persona, image and digital presence. Celebrities like Michael Phelps and Justin Bieber achieved global prominence for their athletic and musical accomplishments, but others – like influencers – gained celebrity status with viral content and a cult-like following.
The earliest celebrities were known for their talent, skill and unique abilities. This is true of modern celebrities as well — athletes who excel in their sport, actors who can portray characters with depth and authenticity, singers with distinctive voices and dancers with a command of their craft are all considered to be celebrities. People who have a gift for comedy, such as comedians, may also become celebrities.
Some celebrities are associated with particular social causes or movements, such as Muhammad Ali’s fight for civil rights or Jane Fonda’s involvement in antiwar activities. Others, such as Greta Thunberg and Colin Kaepernick, have become recognizable for their environmental activism.
The Quest for Intimacy
Fans of celebrities seek to develop a close relationship with their idols, often imagining or attempting intimate encounters. They buy T-shirts and playing cards bearing their images, stand in lines for autographs, and collect anything that has been touched by their favorite stars. Some celebrities even feel that they are “intimate strangers” and share a bond with their admirers.
This awe and respect for the famous has its downsides, however. Many celebrities find it hard to break free from the expectations and obligations of their celebrity status, especially when they begin to struggle with addiction or mental illness. And, in some cases, the public’s perception of a celebrity can quickly change, from positive to negative. This can have a profound impact on a celebrity’s career and personal life.
