A breakthrough role, also known as a breakout role,[1] is a term in the theatre, film and television industry to describe the performance of an actor or actress which contributed significantly to the development of their career and 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]