For some reason, when people are referring to successful actors, models, comedians or singers/musicians as "stars" or "celebrities", it really irks me. It's like nails on a chalkboard. When someone is telling me a story and they can't remember someone's name, they'll say "you know that celebrity, she is the one who..." or "that star on the cover of The Enquirer". I stop and ask what profession the person is - actor, model, etc.

I try to refer to a person's talent/job, even when I'm talking about someone who has attained celebrity or "movie star" status. I know that they are just words, but if I had attained a level of success and notoriety, I would feel really silly if someone called me a celebrity or star.

I feel this way because anyone can become "famous" or a "celebrity", regardless of talent, skills, experience or relative success. I won't mention names but some examples are two 20-somethings with sex tapes, the "octo-mom", and a certain reality television couple. These people do things like photo shoots, host Las Vegas parties, and appear on the covers on magazines - stuff that is usually reserved for stuff like publicity or paid advertising jobs.

Question:
If you were a successful actor (whatever "success" means to you - be it leading roles in feature films, a cast member on a series, the headliner on a Broadway show), how would you want to be referred to? Does it matter?

Choices:
"Actor"/"Actress" (or model, singer, comedian, etc.)
"Celebrity"
"Movie or television star"
"Famous person"

 

I'd like to be referred to by my occupation, but I don't mind being grouped as a celebrity, etc. Not everyone is a celebrity, and though some people are highly-visible celebs, being a celebrity is not actually a job.

Heidi Montag is a "celebrity." The word itself has lost all meaning. Celebrities haire publicists for damage control, plug reality shows on late night talk shows and... date spencer pratt. One should never aspire to become a "celebrity" in today's day and age.

Darren Aronofsky, a genius filmmaker who has given us 'Requiem for a Dream', 'Pi', 'The Wrestler', etc, is famous for the work he's done behind the camera but I don't consider him a celeb... just an accomplished young director with a solid filmography.

I say just do your thing and focus on your career... let the Kardashian sisters do the celebrity thing.

Lenny Broytman
Actor Reels
www.DeadEchoCreations.com

quote:

Originally posted by DeadEcho:
Heidi Montag is a "celebrity." The word itself has lost all meaning. Celebrities haire publicists for damage control, plug reality shows on late night talk shows and... date spencer pratt. One should never aspire to become a "celebrity" in today's day and age.

Darren Aronofsky, a genius filmmaker who has given us 'Requiem for a Dream', 'Pi', 'The Wrestler', etc, is famous for the work he's done behind the camera but I don't consider him a celeb... just an accomplished young director with a solid filmography.

I say just do your thing and focus on your career... let the Kardashian sisters do the celebrity thing.

Lenny Broytman
www.DeadEchoCreations.com

I'm not trying to become a "celebrity" - I just hate that for a lot of people, the word is interchangeable for many people who are successful (in entertainment, mostly).

I guess it's just me.

Oh, I wasn't suggesting that celebrity was what you were after - just stating an opinion on what I thought was an interesting topic

Lenny Broytman
Actor Reels
www.DeadEchoCreations.com

Pop Icon, Sex Symbol

Celebrity isn't even that famous anymore, I am talking about fame that's lasting and changes the social cultures of the time. Someone that can still be recognize 50 years after their death... and more.

Fame that lives after death is bigger than life.