Americans love movie stars - in fact, many Americans treat Hollywood movie stars with the same obsessive interest that other countries reserve for royalty. The stars are scrutinized, envied, adored, worshipped, and loved. What is it about these Hollywood icons that is so intriguing and why do spend so much time and energy devoted to uncovering the secrets of their personal lives?

Anyone questioning whether or not America is obsessed with Hollywood needs only turn on the television to see how movie stars and celebrities dominate our news and just about everything we see. Even the fashion magazines have movie stars on the cover; the super models have been banished to the back pages. Movie stars and celebrities are everywhere but what makes these people so special?

Much of this has to do with looks and public relations skills. Many Hollywood actors are prepped and preened before any public appearances. They look flawless. Everything from their hair styles to the makeup they wear, to the designer size 0 duds on their back, it all makes many people feel inferior and in awe of the rich and famous. They have things that many of us could never dream of owning.

Some people often get the mistaken impression that just because they see their favorite Hollywood stars in films and on television that they know what a person is like. They even begin to feel that they have some kind of camaraderie to certain actors. However, in reality Hollywood stars have private lives that they fiercely protect. We really can't begin to know them on a personal level, despite the number of interviews we've seen.

Becoming a famous Hollywood star has more to do with Luck than talent. It helps to be in the right place at the right time, or better yet, to be related know someone famous. Few Hollywood stars are hired for their abilities to act these days; even if you are remarkable beautiful, if you don't know someone who can give you an 'in', you don't really have much chance of hitting the big time.

The same rules seem to apply to musicians. Just look at some of the multi-millionaire pop singers and ask yourself how many of them are truly musicians (can they sing or play an instrument)? Considering the frequent accusations of lip-synching, it appears that not many have the talent. It's unfortunate that looks have become more important than talent in establishing a career.

Though the stars love to be adored by the public and the media alike, they also have to face the repercussions of being too much in the limelight. Many of the stars have been troubled by star fixated fans some of whom actually become stalkers and harass them. This problem is more in mentally weak people who develop a personal relationship with the onscreen personas of the stars.

Hollywood influence does have its limitations though. Many stars rallied in the last US election to encourage people to vote against George Bush. He did win the election again, so it would seem that people aren't quite as influenced by Hollywood as many had originally thought.

Hollywood stars and starlets make millions of dollars, much of it based only on their fan support. People love to see to see these Hollywood stars any chance they get. Tabloid papers regularly create lies and rumors about the rich and famous, but it doesn't keep Americans from buying these rags. America's infatuation with Hollywood shows no sign of slowing down.