A celebrity is a person who has fame or renown. The word celebrity was once used to describe a person’s status in society and was usually determined by birth or traditional achievement, but in the modern world it is often associated with wealth. Some celebrities have achieved fame for their money, others for their careers or charitable work. The most famous people are actors, but there are also many musicians and sports stars who have attained global fame.
Some celebrities gain fame as a result of participating in popular TV shows. For example, the interior decorators from shows like Trading Spaces became famous. Doctors and chefs can also become famous by appearing on talk shows or hosting food events. Many people who do jobs that don’t involve a lot of interaction with the public, such as gardeners or janitors, can become famous by doing a job well on a reality TV show.
There are some families who have a lot of fame as a whole, such as the Jackson and Kennedy families. There are also “artistic dynasties” where several family members are famous in the same field, such as music and acting. Examples include the Barrymore, Cassidy and Osmond families.
Some celebrities are known all over the world, but they may not be well-known in their home country or culture. Examples of global celebrities are important politicians, Hollywood actors and very successful pop musicians. Angelina Jolie is a well-known actress and humanitarian who works on education and disaster relief.