Young Celebrity Girl Portrait

A celebrity, also referred to as a celeb in popular culture, is a person who has a prominent profile in the media and is easily recognized. Some careers are associated with celebrity status, such as the top tier of the modelling, acting and sports industries. While people may gain celebrity status as a result of a successful career, in other cases, people become celebrities due to media attention for their extravagant lifestyle or wealth (as in the case of a socialite); for their connection to a famous person (as in the case of a relative of a famous person, such as Chaz Bono); or even for their misdeeds (as in the case of a well-known criminal such as Ronnie Biggs). Celebrities may be known around the world (e.g., pop star Michael Jackson), within a specific country (e.g., a top Australian rugby player); or within a region (e.g., a local TV news anchor).
History
Early recorded instances of celebrity include the winners at the Olympic games in ancient Greece. Winners of the games promoted their fame by commissioning hymns praising their exploits. In ancient Rome portraits of powerful men appeared stamped on coins. Works of art bearing their likenesses further enhanced their fame. The renown of certain actors, such as Quintus Roscius Gallus, endured until the 19th century. Gladiators could also gain considerable fame as news of their victories spread by word of mouth.