Does a generation choose its stars?
I often see people complain that a certain actor or actress is being pushed on us despite having no widespread appeal or box-office success. You also read about an actor being the "soul/attitude/voice of a generation" in the media. It made me wonder why some actors become famous while others don't.
Who gets to choose the characteristic actors of an age? Is it down to box-office appeal, certain producers' preferences, nepotism or something else?