The "star system" was a method of developing and advancing the popularity of Hollywood movie stars. The system, which began during the height of Hollywood's studio system era, emphasized the actor's image rather than actual acting. Movie studio profits were driven by the popularity of the stars who appeared in their films. According to Rocco, the stars had long-term contracts with movie studios that paid them a weekly salary, and the stars were identified with specific types of characters that would often be repeated across many films. Belton stated that "the star provides the studio with a tangible attraction, an image that can be advertised and marketed, offsetting the less tangible qualities of story, direction, acting, art direction, costume design and style general of the study" (89) . The star system has been embraced by film studios because the popularity of actors strongly influences the demand for films. A Hollywood star is mostly known for the characters he played in the films he starred in. Audiences are typically not introduced to the real person and it is often difficult to distinguish the star from the roles they play. Belton stated that stars are made up of three personalities: the movie star, the actor, and the real person (95). Many actors and actresses try to protect their personal lives from the public, while others embrace the public attention they receive from the media and the public. According to Belton, an actor or actress becomes a star when his or her personality surpasses his or her performances on screen (96). There are numerous actors in the world, but only a fraction will become stars. According to Whitty, transforming from actor to star can be a...... -his-5-essential-roles-of-the-past-decade>.Meyer, Josh. “Robert Downey Jr. Arrested Again on Drug Charges.” November 27, 2000. Los Angeles Times. 01 May 2014. ."Robert Downey Jr." 2014. The Biography.com. Network. 01 May 2014. .Rocco, Serge. "The Decline of the Hollywood Studio System or the End of the Concept of Magic." 26 April 2011. Web. 01 May 2014. .Whitty, Stefano. “Movie Stars vs. Actors: How to Tell the Difference.” April 21, 2013. New Jersey Online. Network. May 2, 2014. < http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2013/04/movie_stars_vs_actors_how_to_t.html>