Breakthrough role

In the theatre, film and television industries, a breakthrough role, also known as a breakout role,^[1] is a role performed by an actor or actress which contributed significantly to the development of their career and the beginning of critical recognition. A breakthrough role is often a significant increase in importance in the actor's part, such as moving up from a minor character to one of the main cast or a "high impact" role in a film, play or show which has mainstream success and results in the actor's widespread recognition and popularity.^[2] 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 awards".^[3]

Lord Rohan in The Man in Grey has been cited as James Mason's breakthrough performance.^[4] The television film adaptation of Gideon's Trumpet has been referenced as Lane Smith's breakthrough role, despite lacking a theatrical release.^[5] Similarly, the BBC series Pennies from Heaven has been highlighted as the breakthrough of Bob Hoskins.^[6] Brandon Lee's starring role in The Crow has been cited as his breakout, though it was also his final film as he died of a gunshot wound when a blank-firing prop gun accidentally discharged a neglected squib load on the set of the film.^[7][8]