My entry the other day about everyone being famous got me thinking… are there still “stars” out there? I suppose there are, but they’re going the way of the dodo, wouldn’t you say?
With such a deluge of celebrity, how you decide who the stars are? And what qualifies one to be a star? Sheer celebrity or is skill required? Paris Hilton might be considered a celebrity, but there are several layers of elegance, charisma and talent that prevent her from being a star, in my opinion. Lather, rinse, and repeat on every other bimbette that’s famous for nothing.
Julia Roberts? I think she qualifies as a star. She’s über-famous, for all intents a classy woman and has a skill and/or talent that is respected in her industry. Grace + Talent x Fame = Star. Rich Dad x Famous Friend / Coke – Panties = Celebrity.
I think that sums it up.
I’m curious who you would consider a “star” in terms of celebrities these days… Nicole Richie or Charlize Theron? Tom Cruise* or Anyone from One Tree Hill? As I said before, I feel like I’m more often hanging out on the opposite side of the generation gap so the chick from The Hills could be some kind of ingenue. 
* Total whackjob… but a star nonetheless.
I agree with your calculations. It seems to me that celebrity is not something you should aspire to be. I am appalled their mothers are not horrified, some of the things these girls do.
When I think of stars, I think of Tom Hanks, Harrison Ford, Johnny Depp, Julia Roberts, Jodie Foster, etc. Those that are very talented and who I never, or rarely, hear any gossipy mention of anywhere else. But mostly because of the talent.
Those people that are famous just because? Ugh. Drives me up a wall…
I agree with you and Andrea. I am pretty old school as well, though. In addition to those already listed – I have a soft-spot for Morgan Freeman, Vince Vaughn, Drew Barrymore, Edward Norton and Susan Sarandon – Their talent and passion makes them stars.
Keanu Reeves, though? Why is he famous? Why do people put him in Movies? Worst actor – ever.
I would add George Clooney, Anthony Hopkins, Judy Dench, Ryan Gosling, Helen Mirren, etc., to the previously mentioned stars.
I am amazed along with the others here that some of those bimbos get so much face time.
reese witherspoon & kiera knightly. julia roberts without a doubt. johnny depp, harrison ford, & tom cruise (aside from his bizarre antics)
potential stars: anne hathaway & little abigale bresdale(sp?)
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i love your formula!!
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i still say audrey hepburn holds the title though.
I would have to agree with everyone here. I don’t know about Ryan Gosling… hmm… well, yeah. He seems to have star quality.
I know that Keanu Reeves is probably a star to many people… I guess he’s a star, but I’d have to agree with you on the talent front. He’s the anomaly in my theory. lol.
I think Anne Hathaway is going to be the next Julia Roberts.