A "breakout role" refers to the first significant and memorable performance by an actor that helps them gain widespread recognition and success in their career. Full definition
He's been on a couple television shows, but this is really his first major breakout role. (fatmovieguy.com)
A few weeks ago, we reported that Irish actress Saoirse Ronan, best known for breakout roles in ATONEMENT and THE LOVELY BONES, was rumoured... (thehollywoodnews.com)
After breakout roles as Hollis in the «Divergent» film series and as country - pop crooner Clayton Carter on CMT's «Nashville,» the young talent co-stars with John Boyega, Anthony Mackie, and Will Poulter in Kathryn Bigelow's gripping nonfiction feature «Detroit,» which hits theaters nationwide Aug. 4. (backstage.com)