So you want to be a star? You have the charisma of Aniston, the looks of Angelina and the talent of Paris, Nicole, and Pickler combined. People respond to you. You have that 'it' factor, that special something needed to make it in 'the biz'. So how do you get there from where you are? We took a close look at what it means to be a star and, more importantly, how to become one.

First of all, guidance counselors don't consider "Hollywood star" a career choice - so don't ask. There is no place to apply. There is no job called "Hollywood star" at the job fair - not anymore, at least. In the classical era of Hollywood, big studio executives found beautiful young people, gave them a persona and promoted them as stars - but those days are long gone. Stars today are actors and musicians who got very lucky, and only a fraction of entertainers become stars.

How do you become a star? Three words: box office draw. Millions of fans are eager to spend time and money to see you. Agents, managers and advertisers want to make stacks of money promoting you. Still others want to make money writing about you. They'll film you breaking down in FAO Schwartz once they drive you crazy filming you. So how you become star -- are you sure you want it?

Bryan Adams, distinguished popular singer from Ontario, said "I always knew I'd be in music in some sort of capacity. I didn't know if I'd be successful at it, but I knew I'd be doing something in it. Maybe get a job in a record store. Maybe even play in a band. I never got into this to be a star."

Adams, you would have been happy with a job in a record store? Not everyone is as humble as that. Some people want to be stars, and that's why they get into it. Adams just knew he'd be in music.

What is your motivation? Why are you doing it? Money? Fame? To get back at the people who heckled your rendition of Puck in your high school production of A Midsummer's Night Dream? For the art? Or do you just know?

"I always knew I was a star And now, the rest of the world seems to agree with me," once quipped Freddie Mercury, the glam rock lead singer of Queen. Now that's confidence! He knew before the rest of us did. Do you have that sort of confidence? Whatever your answer, the following tips can help you along the way.

Self-Evaluate
Self knowledge is valuable. Some people are the Danny DeVitos and the Jack Blacks. Not everyone can be the Brad Pitts or the Angelinas. Don't let that stop you. Figure out who you are and be comfortable with that. Be realistic. If you're not like Jessica Simpson, don't bother trying. You're better off figuring out who you are and then packaging yourself better. Look for realistic evaluations of yourself from people you trust - a teacher or friend - and listen to what they say.

Image, Images and Style
Once you know who you are, stylize. No matter what you wear, look good. Make your true self more recognizable, appealing, and memorable. In classic Hollywood, the studios expected their stars to always appear with makeup and stylish clothes; men were expected to be gentlemen in public. Things are more relaxed today but just remember that the camera accentuates everything. You don't need much to look too grungy to look like a real smelly bum on screen.

Push Yourself
You can't just want to be a star. You have to want to be an actor, singer, dancer, comedian or all of the above. Stars enjoy being the center of attention It's not something they dabble in. They need it. They crave it. Nothing quenches their determination, certainly not hard work and practice. There isn't a star out there that doesn't spend a good part of each day working out, practicing their crafts and grooming.

Create Fans
Be friendly, be gracious, and be professional. If you're going to be a star, you're going to need a team, or an entourage. You're going to need help along the way. And you're going to need fans. No one likes a prima donna

Be Persistent
It takes discipline, workouts, and diets. All the hard work pays off in the end. Lauren Bacall started in the theater. She took acting classes while working a humble day job, and finally got bit parts that didn't pay. She tried and tried to get noticed in the theater with little effect. Finally, she found an agent who got her some modeling jobs even though her hopes were on acting. The irony is that people noticed her modeling photographs and they were what gave her a first big break into film.

Have Fun and Don't Sell Out
People who seek stardom sometimes find themselves west of Burbank in LA, in a town called Van Nuys, where ample video is shot for the purpose of adult entertainment. You don't have to sell your soul to discover that wanting to be "a star" is not the same as wanting to be on someone's TV. Where-ever your boundaries are, make sure you know where they are, and don't cross them. If it's not fun anymore you can stop. It's okay to know when to quit trying to be a star. It's okay to know what you wouldn't do to be a star.

The God's Honest Skinny
Fame comes with time and talent. You want the truth? Have plenty of both. Play a musical instrument. Get stage experience. Take some dance classes. Acting lessons? Voice training? Write poetry? Yes, yes, and yes. Stars do those things every day without even expecting to be a star. If that sounds like "work," maybe you're not ready to be a star. If it sounds like fun, then maybe you have what it takes. You'll start to notice breaks and opportunities when they appear disguised, as they usually do. And when you get to your big audition, you'll be ready with the skills you have polished on the way to the top. There are no shortcuts. Even after a long time looking, most people never even find the path to becoming a "Hollywood star." Will you?

Fun Quotes on Being a Star

Today everyone is a star - they're all billed as 'starring' or 'also starring'. In my day, we earned that recognition. Bette Davis

I'm an instant star. Just add water and stir. David Bowie

What is a movie star? It is an illusion. It was everything I ever wanted to be, but it became a kind of shell, non? It was what made me famous and got me women. But it wasn't real. Jean Claude van Damme

Being a star is an agent's dream, not an actor's. Robert Duvall

If you look at yourself as a star, you've already lost something in the portrayal of any human being. Gene Hackman

For more information on becoming a star, check out these related articles:

Write Your Own Starring Role
Are Starring Roles One Size Fits All?
From Model to Actress: A True Story

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