What is Richard Dyers star theory?

Star theory refers to the idea that celebrities are commodities manufactured by institutions. Dyer believes that celebrities are constructed to represent 'real people' experiencing real emotions in order to relate to audiences and sell products such as films or music. An example of this is Marilyn Monroe (the celebrity) who was controlled by film companies (the institution) in order to create an icon and attract audiences to the films they were making and therefore making money for the company.