That’s an insightful observation about the shift in the nature of celebrity status over time. There are likely a few key factors that have contributed to this paradigm shift:

1. The rise of mass media and pop culture:
   • In the earlier decades, the media landscape was more focused on science, academia, and intellectualism. Figures like Einstein and Hemingway gained fame and recognition primarily for their groundbreaking contributions to their respective fields.
   • However, the 20th century saw the rapid growth of mass media, entertainment, and pop culture. Celebrities from the entertainment industry, such as actors, musicians, and athletes, became the new focus of public attention and fascination.
2. Changing public interests and values:
   • As society has become more oriented towards consumerism and popular culture, the public’s interests and values have also shifted. People are often more captivated by the glamour, drama, and personal lives of entertainment celebrities than the intellectual or scientific achievements of public figures.
   • The desire for instant gratification and constant entertainment has overshadowed the appreciation for deep intellectual or scientific contributions in many cases.
3. The “celebrity culture” and the media’s role:
   • The media, both traditional and social, play a significant role in shaping and perpetuating the celebrity culture. They tend to devote more coverage and attention to entertainment celebrities, as their stories and images often generate higher levels of public engagement and interest.
   • This in turn reinforces the perception that celebrities from the entertainment industry are more worthy of public adoration and recognition than those from other fields.
4. The accessibility and relatability of entertainment celebrities:
   • Entertainment celebrities are often more accessible and relatable to the general public, especially through the proliferation of social media. People can engage with and follow the lives of these celebrities in a more intimate and immediate way.
   • This sense of connection and accessibility can make entertainment celebrities more appealing and “celebrity-worthy” in the eyes of the public, compared to figures from more esoteric or specialized fields.