Would this be considered stealing one's likeness?

Absolutely. People (mostly celebrities) have what is called "Right to Publicity" which actually means nobody can use their likeness without their written permission. That translates to the celebrity getting paid for the use of their likeness. That would include using their name or an image that resembles them. If the character you created is never used for commercial purposes it would not be a problem, otherwise, a celebrity selling their likeness is a substantial income for them and they would be fairly quick to press charges against poachers.

The "right of publicity" is a matter of state law (in the USA) and may vary according to the particular statute, or the common law in states that have not enacted such a statute.  However, as a general rule, you would need permission to PROFIT from distributing copies of the image or likeness of a celebrity, or anything similar.

Famous case of a company (Samsung) being sued for depicting a "robot" that acted exactly like Vanna White. They lost and she was awarded $400,000 in damages, under California laws in effect in 1991.

If you are making a character look like a living person and then giving credit, it's not your own character, is it?

If you credit the source, you are CONFESSING that you copied whatever it is.

i wouldnt think so, but maybe you should ask them first before you do it

Your first character should be one of the Kardashians.  

A lot of people look like celebrities maybe they should be sued for looking like other people. You could be sued for anything but you could lose and or be countered sued and lose more money than you can imagine.

Yes, you could be, and probably would be sued.  "Giving credit" is not enough.  Celebrities are in that job for the MONEY.  Did you send them money, lots of money?

I wouldn't think so as long as your crediting their source and using their character respectfully.