Why Becoming a Superstar Is More Difficult Than Ever, According to Experts

Experts analyze the challenges of achieving true stardom in today's celebrity landscape.

September 29, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — City, Country — A new book by Lindsey Weber and Bobby Finger explores the evolving nature of fame, arguing that the distinction between A-list and B-list celebrities has become increasingly blurred.

The authors, known for their podcast “Who? Weekly,” suggest that the traditional hierarchy of stardom is no longer clear-cut. They describe a world where lesser-known figures can attract massive attention, making it hard to differentiate between those who are truly famous and those who are merely visible.

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Weber and Finger introduce the concept of “Whos” and “Thems” to categorize the famous. Whos include actors, influencers, and reality stars who gain attention without reaching household-name status, while Thems represent true icons like Beyoncé and Denzel Washington. The book uses actor Glen Powell as an example of someone who has risen to prominence but has not yet reached the top tier of stardom.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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