In Wilsey v. Saratoga Harness Racing, Inc. (140 AD2d 857 [3d Dept 1988]), the Appellate Division, Third Department, summarized the applicable law as follows: "Public figures include those who assume roles of especial prominence in the affairs of society. Often this involves people who thrust themselves to the forefront and thus become public figures, not for all purposes, but with respect to that particular issue. People in whom the public has a continuing interest and who have taken steps to attract such interest, such as professional athletes and certain entertainers, are often public figures."