Celebrity is a condition of broad public recognition, often implying a favorable image, with historian Greg Jenner defining it as a widely known persona whose life is consumed as entertainment and whose commercial brand is profitable. While ancient Greek athletes and Roman gladiators enjoyed significant public adulation, Jenner asserts that the earliest celebrities, by his definition, emerged in the early 1700s, with Henry Sacheverell as an early example. However, a powerful early instance of widespread fascination was Thomas Becket in the 12th century, whose murder led to posthumous fame promoted by the Church, inspiring pilgrimages and stories.

The 19th century truly propelled modern celebrity, with Lord Byron famously declaring he "awoke one morning and found myself famous" in 1812 after publishing his work. This era saw Charles Dickens rise as a "self-made global media star" amidst the growth of gossip columns, cultural hotspots, and institutions like Madame Tussauds (established 1835) dedicated to showcasing public figures. These developments cemented the public's intense interest and the media's role in shaping enduring fame.