The term celebrity describes a person who has reached a state of fame and broad public recognition through their work in the entertainment industry, or through their participation as a politician or sports figure. Celebrities typically have a favorable public image and are often seen as role models. The word celebrity is a shortened form of the Latin word, “celebritas,” which means “fame.” It has several other related meanings: “special pomp or formality on an important occasion; ceremonial; an act of celebrating something” (C15) and “a rite or ceremony, especially one observed by the followers of a particular religion” (C17). The origin of the modern concept of celebrity dates to the late-18th and early-19th centuries. During this period, several inventions were introduced that created the conditions for celebrity as we know it today: photography, mass-circulation newspapers, steamship and railway travel, and radio and telegraph technology all allowed people to be seen more widely and quickly, and news about them could spread more rapidly.
Unlike the terms “fame” or “renown,” which imply respect, the notion of celebrity implies an inverse relationship: a person can be a celebrity only if others want her to be famous. This ambiguity has given rise to the phrase, “celebrity has its price.”
Celebrities use their status to promote products and services. In doing so, they create a connection with the consumer that transcends the normal advertising channels of television commercials or billboards. This connection has become increasingly important as the media has developed an ever-growing capacity to deliver images of celebrities to a wide audience, in real time. The celebrity can thus serve as an idealized role model, a rebel or mirror for the status quo, and a force to be reckoned with in the marketplace.
Some celebrities are known primarily for their wealth or for the things they do, such as acting in movies, singing songs or playing a sport. But other celebrities are known for doing bad things, which has earned them the label of a pariah. For example, Paris Hilton is a celebrity because she is rich and popular, but she also has a reputation for partying hard and doing bad things.
To find out when and where a celebrity is appearing, start by researching local events, such as concerts, movie premieres, awards shows or charity galas. Then check online event calendars and social media pages of the venues to see if they have posted any information about upcoming appearances. You can also join fan clubs and mailing lists to receive updates on celebrity events and meet and greets. If you have connections in the entertainment industry, such as agents or managers, ask them for tips on identifying a celebrity. Once you have a good lead, follow up with a polite letter or phone call. This will help you to get a personal invitation to the next celebrity event. If you can’t attend a celebrity event in person, consider attending a virtual one instead. Kaltura offers on-demand, live and simulive virtual events for celebrities and their fans.
