Lindsey Weber and Bobby Finger, co‑hosts of the “Who? Weekly” podcast, say the path to genuine stardom has become increasingly fragmented. In their new book, I Want to Be Famous: When Everybody and Nobody Is a Celebrity, they describe a cultural shift where the old A‑list hierarchy no longer clearly separates the truly famous from the merely visible.
From “Whos” to “Thems”
Weber and Finger split celebrities into two groups. “Whos” are people who receive media exposure without achieving lasting, widespread recognition—think lesser‑known actors, reality‑TV participants, podcasters and social‑media influencers. “Thems” are the enduring household names such as Beyoncé, Denzel Washington or Tom Hanks.
The authors argue that the proliferation of platforms and the constant demand for fresh content have blurred the line between these categories. “If A‑list stars are calling the paparazzi, and people whose names we’d never seen before can fill stadiums, it’s truly impossible to tell the difference between a B‑ or C‑list celebrity anymore,” they write.
Glen Powell as a Modern Example
To illustrate their point, the duo examines the career of actor Glen Powell. Powell’s breakout role in the 2015 comedy Everybody Wants Some!! and his later appearance in the blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick propelled him into the public eye. Yet, despite these high‑profile projects, Powell remains firmly in the “Who” category, according to Weber and Finger.
“Powell’s trajectory shows how quickly an actor can become recognizable, but also how difficult it is to cross the threshold into true household‑name status,” the authors note. They point out that while Powell can draw crowds and command attention, he has not yet achieved the cultural ubiquity that defines a “Them.”
Why the Ladder Is Broken
The podcast hosts attribute the broken ladder to several factors. First, the sheer volume of content produced daily means audiences are constantly exposed to new faces. Second, the rise of streaming services and social media platforms allows actors to reach large audiences without the traditional gatekeepers of Hollywood. Finally, the authors argue that the public’s appetite for novelty fuels a cycle where fresh talent is celebrated briefly before the spotlight moves on.
They also note that the entertainment industry’s own marketing strategies contribute to the phenomenon. Studios and networks often promote a wide array of talent to maximize reach, which can inflate the perceived fame of many performers without granting them lasting cultural impact.
Implications for Aspiring Actors
For those hoping to climb the fame ladder, Weber and Finger suggest a focus on building a body of work that resonates across multiple platforms and generations. They caution that relying solely on viral moments or single‑project success may not be enough to achieve “Them” status.
“Sustained relevance, rather than fleeting visibility, is the key to breaking through the “Who” tier,” the authors conclude.
Industry Context
The discussion comes at a time when the entertainment sector continues to evolve rapidly. Major studios like Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount are adapting to new distribution models, while independent creators leverage digital channels to reach audiences directly. This fluid environment underscores the authors’ observation that fame is now a more complex, multi‑layered construct than in previous decades.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
