A breakthrough role, also known as a breakout role, is a term in the

film industry The film industry or motion picture industry comprises the technological and commercial institutions of filmmaking, i.e., film production company, production companies, film studios, cinematography, animation, film production, screenwriting, pre ...

to describe the performance of an actor or actress which contributed significantly to the development of their career and beginning of critical recognition. The similar term "big break" indicates the occurrence for the performer and not the role itself. Such a moment in an actor's career may often occur some time after they begin acting, as their roles become more substantial. A breakthrough role is often a significant increase in importance in the actor's part in the film, such as moving up from a minor character to one of the main cast or a "high impact" role in a film which has mainstream success and results in the actor's widespread recognition and popularity. A breakthrough performance has also been defined as one which "attracts the attention of film critics, or receives rave reviews and is subsequently nominated for many major film awards". Most notable performers throughout the film and television industry can pinpoint the role which marked the beginning of their commercial success. For example, the ''Dollars'' trilogy was the breakthrough role of Clint Eastwood, while Sean Connery's came with the

James Bond The ''James Bond'' series focuses on a fictional Secret Intelligence Service, British Secret Service agent created in 1953 by writer Ian Fleming, who featured him in twelve novels and two short-story collections. Since Fleming's death in 19 ...

film '' Dr. No'', despite both actors having appeared in several films prior to this. Lord Rohan in '' The Man in Grey'' has been cited as James Mason's breakthrough performance. The television film adaptation of '' Gideon's Trumpet'' has been referenced as Lane Smith's breakthrough role, despite lacking a theatrical release. Similarly, the BBC series '' Pennies from Heaven'' has been highlighted as the breakthrough of Bob Hoskins.

Brandon Lee Brandon Bruce Lee (February 1, 1965 – March 31, 1993) was an American actor and martial artist. Establishing himself as a rising action star in the early 1990s, he landed his breakthrough role as Eric Draven in the dark fantasy film ''Th ...

's starring role in ''

The Crow The Crow is a supernatural superhero comic book series created by James O'Barr revolving around the titular character of the same name. The series, which was originally created by O'Barr as a means of dealing with the death of his fiancée at t ...

'' has been cited as his breakout, though it was also his final film as he died when a prop gun malfunctioned on the set of the film.

Awards

'' Hollywood Life'', the Teen Choice Awards, and several others give awards for best "Movie Breakout" for both an actress and actor.

References

{{Reflist

External links

6 Actors Defined By Their Breakout Roles
at '' Maxim''.
Stars' surprising breakout movie roles
at '' Teen Vogue'' Film and video terminology