But the surprised reaction persists, because between film roles Cher recaptures the public imagination as a frivolous, flaky pop celebrity almost dressed in leather and metal.

My interests are not those of a pop celebrity," she said.

The 1969 Chicago Seven trial made Mr. Hayden a pop celebrity but increased his isolation as much as his fame.

Everyone, he suggests, is so used to blending with pop celebrities - and doesn't "care if they're real or they're pseudo" - that individuality no longer counts.

He is the anti-Oprah, proof that a blunt, macho pop celebrity can go a long way in an age dominated by gushingly sincere sob sisters.

The comic has also seen occasional appearances by pop celebrities, politicians, and Jesus, as it comments on events of the day.

The pop celebrities at the show were Claudia Schiffer and David Copperfield, the magician.

On "Behind the Music," VH1's popular series of rock-star documentaries, glamorous pop celebrities expose too much, with the same empty results.

He also spoke out against the development of cult organizations frequented by pop celebrities.

"The Elephant Vanishes" is a high-tech, multimedia performance based on three short stories by Mr. Murakami, a postmodernist writer who has become a pop celebrity.