You’re hitting on the subtle distinction between “actor” and “star”. One can be both but it’s rare (Daniel Day Lewis, Meryl Streep). Stars are familiar, you kno

You’re hitting on the subtle distinction between “actor” and “star”. One can be both but it’s rare (Daniel Day Lewis, Meryl Streep). Stars are familiar, you know who they are and what to expect. That’s part of what they’re selling, and what makes them bankable. They are simply such charismatic and compelling people that it makes them fun to watch on screen (note: there is zero questioning of morality or talent in this statement, pure observation — Kevin Spacey allegedly committed some real crimes. That doesn’t make LA Confidential any less entrancing on a pure craft level). Actors are selling dynamism and unexpected choice. Think Phillip Seymour Hoffman. Unparalleled actor, but when he shares the screen with Tom Cruise, most folks’ eyes can’t help but be drawn to Cruise first. That’s why persona and publicity is such a big part of it — you have to know that Harry Styles (star) is a cool guy off the screen to accept him as one onscreen.