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I am surprised no one answered this post? since it is from 2008 unless the replies have been removed. BUT the answer is simple.
The photographer that took the photo most often holds the rights of reproduction and that usually includes all methods of reproduction both photographic or mechanical. So the answer is it could be deemed a copyright violation to use a celebrity photo for a portrait without permission. and if the image is a well known image and your painting is a very true copy of that reference it will be easily noticed.
BUT if you use multiple photographic reference and then draw your own composition are just using the photos as likeness reference then you may have no issues at all (like if asked to paint a historical portrait of a famous individual) always best to ask first if the painting is for profit.
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