Real life of stars
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The Real Life of Stars: Authenticity, Influence, and Public Perception
Virtual Stars and the Reimagined Celebrity System
The rise of virtual influencers like Lil Miquela has introduced a new dimension to the concept of celebrity. Unlike traditional Hollywood stars, these virtual personas are meticulously crafted through computer-generated imagery (CGI) and managed by techno-human cultural intermediaries. This virtual star system blurs the lines between reality and artifice, challenging the significance of authenticity in both celebrity culture and the influencer industry. The controlled nature of these virtual stars contrasts sharply with the perceived liberation of social media influencers, raising questions about the true nature of celebrity in the digital age1.
The Ordinary/Extraordinary Dichotomy in Celebrity Motherhood
Sarah Jessica Parker's portrayal of a working mother in the film adaptation of "I Don’t Know How She Does It" exemplifies the delicate balance celebrities must maintain between their extraordinary public personas and their claims to ordinariness. Parker's carefully curated image as a high-profile actor and fashion icon, juxtaposed with her relatable struggles as a working mom, resonates with many women. This duality is a strategic negotiation that allows her to connect with her audience on a personal level while maintaining her star status. The authenticity of her struggles, as shared in candid interviews, enhances her relatability and reinforces her celebrity currency2.
Development Celebrities and the Star/Poverty Space
Celebrities involved in development politics, often referred to as "development celebrities," leverage their fame to advocate for global causes. This phenomenon, termed the "celebrity–consumption–compassion complex," involves the intricate interplay of everyday actions, media representations, and consumer behaviors. Development celebrities create a "star/poverty space" through activities like poverty tours, photoshoots, and social media engagement, which bolster their perceived expertise and authenticity. This space not only elevates their voice and authority but also highlights the materiality of authenticity central to their advocacy efforts3.
The Interactional Frame of Celebrity Impersonators
Celebrity impersonators offer a unique perspective on the interplay between reality and fantasy in the realm of stardom. Through ethnographic studies, it has been observed that both performers and audiences engage in a collaborative game, willingly suspending disbelief to enjoy the performance. This interactional frame allows for a comfortable coexistence of the real and the unreal, where audiences are aware that the actual star is not present but still engage with the impersonation as if it were genuine. This dynamic underscores the fluid boundaries between authenticity and performance in the world of celebrity4.
Conclusion
The real life of stars, whether virtual or human, is a complex interplay of authenticity, public perception, and strategic self-presentation. From the meticulously crafted personas of virtual influencers to the relatable struggles of celebrity mothers and the advocacy of development celebrities, the notion of what is "real" in celebrity culture is continually evolving. Understanding these dynamics offers valuable insights into the ever-changing landscape of fame and influence.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Celebrity 2.0: Lil Miquela and the rise of a virtual star system
Lil Miquela, a virtual social media influencer created through CGI, highlights the contradictions between real and artifice and questions the significance of authenticity in both celebrity practice and the influencer industry.
We know how Sarah Jessica Parker does it: the travails of working motherhood and celebrity privilege
The recent revolt against Sarah Jessica Parker's account of her life as a 'working mom' highlights the difficulty in reconciling celebrity status with 'ordinary' life experiences.
Star/poverty space: the making of the ‘development celebrity’
The creation of'star/poverty space' through everyday artefacts and celebrity performances creates the 'development celebrity' and their elevated voice and authority in development politics.
Highly CitedAin't Nothing Like The Real Thing, Baby: Framing Celebrity Impersonator Performances
Celebrity impersonators and audiences create a collaborative game in which the real and unreal coexist comfortably, with players willingly suspending observation and making nimble references to the unreality of the performance.
Using stars, not just ‘reading’ them: the roles and functions of film stars in mother–daughter relations
Film stars play varying roles in mother-daughter relations, shifting in importance as daughters transition to adulthood.
Stardom, Celebrity, and the Money Form
Stardom and celebrity culture in the media reinforce the idea that the individual can transcend the collective and achieve success through passionate self-expression as commerce.
The Power of Stars: Do Star Actors Drive the Success of Movies?
Involvement of stars in movies increases expected theatrical revenues, but does not increase the valuation of film companies.
Highly CitedStars that crash.
Stars who have public downfalls often have common risk factors, such as narcissistic traits and adult environments, which can lead to behaviors like extramarital affairs, bankruptcy, or alcohol and drug addiction.
Observational Study