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.