The case made him a popular figure among the masses.
He was the most popular figure on the political landscape.
Nor did he expect to be a popular figure for doing so.
He still remains a popular public figure even after retirement.
I soon became a popular figure, and was known for miles in the country.
By that time, he was considered "the most popular political figure in Massachusetts."
"I was a popular figure at the dinner table for a few days," he said.
It was to be expected that she should immediately become a popular figure in the court.
He was a popular figure in local tradition down to recent times.
He quickly became a popular figure with the team's fans.