Morphing Into Celebrity

As a celebrity by marriage (to Aaron Spelling, the most-prolific producer in television history), then by motherhood, then by house (yes, my house is the largest in Los Angeles, and it is for sale for $150,000,000), and, finally, because I had my own best-selling book, I've long been a student of "celebrity."

The coverage of Janice Min's resignation from Us Weekly was particularly intriguing, because she did so much to change the definition of "celebrity."

Janice, after all, realized that Jon and Kate (even without the "8") were far bigger than TV, multiplying the ratings beyond TLC's wildest dreams.

And, we know so much about lots of other reality show runners-up, thanks to Janice. Otherwise, Charles Van Doren and Ken Jennings aside, they might have just been like game-show runners-up (or even winners), part of our consciousness for an hour or two, and then gone forever.

Rachel Abramowitz in the Los Angeles Times positioned it well:

"When she took the helm six years ago, a celebrity was a movie star or someone with a sitcom."

Min explains that, during her tenure:

"The whole relationship dynamic between the general population and celebrity has morphed into a belief that there's very little separating you from being like them."

Who tells them that this thinking doesn't work in real life? Celebrity behavior and acceptable behavior often differ greatly. And, the relaxed standards for celebrities don't translate well to real life.

I'd like to think that artists, humanitarians, athletes and others could be counted as celebrities, too; but, at this point, I'd settle for the pre-Janice Min definition and less morphed beliefs.

Comments

[Roselvr]

This is 2009 - the readers/viewers actually have a voice. We can make or break someone's career by what we read/buy/watch. A lot of us are bored by regular TV. Gone with Aaron Spelling is his brilliance to create fresh shows that kept our attention. I grew up watching his creations; shame he was taken right as TV was changing as I'd think we would all be surprised at what he'd choose to focus on next.

I enjoy reality shows as long as they are done tastefully. I do not want to make this a post about Tori & Dean; but to me, it's the best "reality" show that has been on the air. I do not feel the kids are exploited; as I feel Jon & Kate's kids are. The focus is 2 "celebrity" parents; trying to raise their kids in Hollywood; and with the paparazzi the way they are now, I think their kids have been lucky as to the amount of pics taken of them verses say Suri.

Your grandchildren are beautiful. I see Aaron in Liam. Stella is a beautiful little girl. I've laughed and cried and wished I was lucky enough to have grand kids (none yet).

Right now you are a celebrity for interviews you are giving; and I'm sad to say that you are living up to my impression of you. I wish you'd stop saying things in the media & find a good charity to focus on.

[iconklee]

WHAT was the purpose of this column? It made absolutely no sense in this day and age. People the world over are dying, starving, suffering, making do, going without health care, etc. People is this country are living on the streets ... homeless shelters are beyond maximum allowable.
And you pick THIS to write about? Tabloids are tabloids. PT BARNUM said it best, "No one has ever gone broke UNDER-estimating the intelligence of the American people." Just because PEOPLE LIKE WATCHING TRAIN WRECKS, MARRIAGES COLLAPSING, IDIOTS MAKING FOOLS OF THEMSELVES ... does NOT mean these morons EXPOSING THEMSELVES FOR $$$ should (ever) be construed as CELEBRITIES.
The only celebrities are those PEOPLE ACTUALLY "PAY" to see. The day reality shows charge for admission IS THE DAY REALITY SHOWS WILL END FOREVER.

[1sparrow]

i thought she said, "morphine to celebrity" ... never mind.

[Pippen]

Celebrity definitions vary depending on who you ask.

In todays society, almost 100% of all media outlets will want you to believe that any carbon unit sucking air and gassing on camera any camera is a celebrity and we should be PAYING attention. And a great many young people do, heart mind and soul 24/7.

If you ask me, there are only a few celebrities and most are dying faster than we're recreating them.

Example celebrities include Lauren Bacall, Elizabeth Taylor, Rod Stewart, Paul McCartney, Sir Lawrence Olivier, etc...

[ClownPosse]

"then by house (yes, my house is the largest in Los Angeles, and it is for sale for $150,000,000), and, finally, because I had my own best-selling book, I've long been a student of "celebrity."

Well thank you Ms. Spelling !

I am positive that the millions of unemployed middle class American's can feel your pain.

But, as huffpst only allows posts gushing with praise for their guests, this will never see the light of day !

[cuthbertallgood]

Never thought I'd be saying Candy Spelling, you are so correct and you put it so well. But I'm saying it.

[jeff01]

"Celebrity" should be reserved for someone special, not just someone attractive and outgoing enough to capture camera time.

[kaseybandit]

My daughter wants to move to Hollywood to be an assistant to a celebrity. That's not what I had in mind for my children.

[noweknow]

"assistant to a celebrity"

Is that euphemism for gofer or girl Friday i.e. bottom person on the totem pole?

[ClownPosse]

Appears as if the apple did not fall far from the tree !

[clevelandchick]

But once they grow up, they have to make their own decisions. Let her find out if that's what she wants to do. If you're right, she'll come back home in less than a year but she may love it and turn it into a great career or find another better career out there.

My parents were very over protective and had in their minds what was acceptable for be to be when I grew up. I played along and now I'm middle-aged and have regrets.

Let her explore her options before she ends up middle-aged with a well-paying boring job she's good at but has little personal satisfaction. .

[Jimboy17]

The cult of celebrity is as venal as it is banal. Why should we care? More to the point, why do you?

[JScott]

$150,000,000 and the house is still for sale?, doesn't that tell you something

(that your not getting)

[Chip1222]

Today alone on the same page as this column, Octomom, Michael Jackson's missing nose, Big Brother's "dork," a wedding ring-less Kate, and a new generation of birther pundits are making news. What a terrible week to lose the Taco Bell dog.

[clevelandchick]

That cracked me up.

[ThreeCentsWorth]

A look at some of the "names" getting stars on Hollywood Boulevard shows how diminished celebrity has become. "Celebrity" and "superstar" may still sell magazines (glad something does), but doesn't help much with encouraging the work ethic.