Breakthrough role

A Breakthrough role is a term in the film industry to describe the film of an actor or actress which contributed significantly to the development of their career. It may not always refer to a film debut but a film which may have had some mainstream success that resulted in the widespread recognition or popularity of the actor. Such a moment in an actor's career may often occur some time after they begin acting. Often a breakthrough role is a significant increase in importance in the actor's part in the film moving up from a minor character or extra to one of the leading cast.

Most of the top actors and actresses in Hollywood or in the world film industry can pinpoint such a landmark which marked the beginning of commercial success.

For example the "Dollars" trilogy marked the breakthrough role of Clint Eastwood and "Dr. No" in 1962 marked the moment in Sean Connery's career despite both actors having appeared in several films prior to this. For John Wayne the breakthrough role of his career was "The Big Trail" in 1930.