Fame does not make you a prophet. You are a prophet if you are so in tune with God that you know his will before others do. Like John, the Baptist, you try to warn people even if they are not ready to hear the truth. You are dedicating your whole life to serving God in anyway he asks.
Usually prophets are older because this kind of dedication takes time to develop. However, it depends on the situation. Mother Teresa was a young woman when God chose her to serve the poor and therefore demonstrate his love for mankind. In her book, Come be my Light, she explains that God told her she was going to start a ministry of serving the poor that would grow and grow.
Satan can pretend to be a prophet, but you know a tree by its fruit. If someone is not kind and patient and loving he is not one of God's prophets.
Prophets often go unnoticed. Not everyone with a great following and a microphone is a prophet. Ask for discernment from God. Scrutinize the message carefully. Does it line up with the Bible? Is it about love or money? If it is about money, where does the money go?
You might be a prophet and not know it. One of my teachers 50 years ago told me things that are just now coming to fruition.
Prophets often die before they see their prophecy come true, but usually they get a glimpse. John did get to meet Jesus before he died.
Prophets do not always look like prophets. They are not always men for instance. One religion I know of had a woman prophet.
In my personal opinion, Martin Luther King was a prophet.
Prophets do not choose themselves. They must be chosen by God. So if someone tells you they are a prophet be careful. Ask them more about their spiritual awakening and about their core values. They must line of with scripture and the commandment to love one another.
Everyone may not be a prophet, but they can act like one. They can spread the message of Christ wherever they go.
