widely known and esteemed; "a famous actor"; "a celebrated musician"; "a famed scientist"; "an illustrious judge"; "a notable historian"; "a renowned painter"
If you describe someone as an illustrious person, you mean that they are extremely well known because they have a high position in society or they have done something impressive. his long and illustrious career. = distinguished. famous and admired because of what you have achieved (illustris , from illustrare; ILLUSTRATE)