Public Figures
There are two types of "public figures" recognized under defamation law: "all-purpose" public figures and "limited-purpose" public figures.
All-purpose public figures are private individuals who occupy "positions of such persuasive power and influence that they are deemed public figure for all purposes. . . . They invite attention and comment."
Gertz v. Robert Welch, Inc., 418 U.S. 323, 345 (1972). For these individuals, the actual malice standard extends to virtually all aspects of their lives.
This category includes movie stars, elite professional athletes, and the
heads of major corporations. Tom Cruise is one; that character actor you recognize instantly but can't quite name is probably not an all-purpose public figure.