Why Are All Actors Considered so Big Celebrities?

A person becomes a celebrity when a large number of people purchase whatever it is they’re selling and follow their activities. Popularity is what makes a celebrity. While there are many fine actors who simply further the story, it is those who capture the public's imagination that become celebrities.

Celebrity Status Among Actors

Celebrities form a minuscule fraction of the total number of actors that exist not just globally but even in Hollywood. According to IMDb, there are around ten million registered actors, of which only approximately five thousand are considered true celebrities. The difference lies in the level of recognition these individuals receive in public domains.

Celebrities are characterized by high visibility and the widespread recognition among the public. Even if one individual may not personally recognize someone, if the majority do and the person is featured on magazine covers, signing autographs, attending movie premieres, being interviewed on talk shows, or having a star on the walk of fame, then they can be classified as celebrities.

The Path to Becoming a Celebrity Actor

Many actors, despite their talent and industry success, may not attain the label of celebrity. This is not about the number of hits or flops they have, nor the quantity of roles they play. For instance, Tom Hanks, synonymous with success in Hollywood, has likely signed thousands, if not millions, of autographs, whereas the author has only a few to count on one hand.

Examples like Paris Hilton, who has no movies yet is a popular icon, highlight that the fame of an actor is more about fan base and visibility. Just as producers hire actors based on their acting skills, they may also select stars based on their fan base. The clientele decides who is a celebrity, and it can be anyone—be it an actor, a musician, or a tech leader like Steve Jobs, who may get more attention for his performances than for his professional work.

Perception and Celebrity

The idea of being a celebrity is heavily influenced by popular perception and fan base. More people may pay to watch ColdPlay perform rather than hear about Steve Jobs. In essence, the one we choose to spend our time and resources over is a celebrity. This choice is driven by personal affection and admiration.

A Personal Insight from the Author

As a Program Director at Chitkara University’s College of Art and Design in Chandigarh and a Subject Matter Expert at ICE Mumbai, the author mentors students in areas such as Performing Arts, Design, Web VFX, and Animation. Personal experiences of the author showcase the varying levels of celebrity status an individual within the industry can have. With minimal experiences of public appearances such as red carpet events or movie premieres, the author shares a clearer perspective on what it takes to be a celebrity.

Ultimately, the world of celebrities and actors is one influenced by public perception and fan base. While many actors may not achieve the status of celebrities, their contributions to the industry are no less valuable. The line between an actor and a celebrity is thinner than it appears to be, and it often comes down to the extent of recognition and public engagement.