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The Breakthrough Years of Cinema Stars
First major success in 1938
Her role in Love Finds Andy Hardy significantly raised her profile as a rising star.
1938
1939
1939
1940
1940
1941
Her sensual Hollywood debut in Algiers made her an instant, notorious star.
1933
1933
1938
1938
1939
1939
Michele Morgan
This year marked her definitive breakthrough with the film Quai des Brumes, where her portrayal opposite Jean Gabin established her as a major star in French cinema and defined her iconic screen image. The film's success made her a symbol of romantic melancholia.
1937
1938
1938
1938
1938
1938
Ann Sheridan
Her dramatic turn in Angels with Dirty Faces marked her breakthrough into more serious roles.
1934
1934
1935
1935
1938
1938
Joan Bennett
While active for a decade, 1938 marked a pivotal image change for Bennett when she dyed her hair brunette for Trade Winds. This transformation liberated her from ingénue roles and paved the way for more sophisticated and complex characters that would define her later career.
1930
1930
1930
1930
1930
1931
Mickey Rooney
Boys Town elevated him to a top Hollywood box office star and Oscar nomination.
1938
1938
1938
1939
1939
1939
Corinne Luchaire
Corinne Luchaire gained significant attention and critical acclaim for her role in Prison sans barreaux. This dramatic film served as her major breakthrough, establishing her as a promising young actress on the international scene.
1938
1938
1938
1938
1939
1939
Sigrid Gurie
After being signed by Samuel Goldwyn and promoted as a new European sensation, Gurie made her highly anticipated Hollywood debut in the adventure film The Adventures of Marco Polo. She also co-starred in the critically acclaimed dramaAlgiers" alongside Charles Boyer and Hedy Lamarr, significantly raising her profile.
1937
1937
1938
1938
1938
1938
Margaret Lockwood
The Lady Vanishes made her a major star in British cinema and internationally.
1939
1939
1939
1940
1941
1947
Viktor de Kowa
Viktor de Kowa achieved widespread fame and cemented his image as a charming leading man with the highly successful musical comedy Glückskinder. This film became one of his most iconic pre-war roles, showcasing his comedic timing and singing talent.
1933
1934
1934
1934
1934
1935
Mary Martin
Mary Martin made her Broadway debut in Cole Porter's musical Leave It to Me!. Her show-stopping performance of My Heart Belongs to Daddy became an overnight sensation and launched her career as a major star.
1918
1938
1940
1940
1940
1942
Billie Burke
Earned her first Oscar nomination for Merrily We Live, highlighting her comedic talent.
1917
1919
1919
1920
1920
1928
Richard Greene
After signing with 20th Century Fox, Greene quickly rose to prominence in Hollywood, starring in films like Four Men and a Prayer and My Lucky Star. This year marked his breakthrough as a leading man in American cinema.
1939
1939
1939
1953
Amedeo Nazzari
The film Luciano Serra, pilota solidified Amedeo Nazzari's status as a leading man and a national star in Italy. Its immense popularity established his heroic, masculine image and made him one of the country's most prominent actors during the Fascist era.
1938
1941
1946
1947
Lou Costello
Lou Costello, as part of the comedy duo Abbott and Costello, made a significant breakthrough on national radio, joining "The Kate Smith Hour. This exposure brought their unique comedy routine to a much wider audience beyond vaudeville and burlesque stages.
1983
1994
John Garfield
Electrified audiences with his breakout debut performance in Four Daughters, earning an Oscar nomination.
1950
Michael Redgrave
Michael Redgrave achieved widespread public recognition and established himself as a leading man with his role as Gilbert Redman in Alfred Hitchcock's acclaimed thriller The Lady Vanishes. This film significantly boosted his cinematic career.
1938
Gracie Fields
Achieved international film stardom with her Hollywood debut, We're Going to Be Rich.
1936
Dale Evans
This year marked her significant breakthrough in national radio, performing as a featured vocalist on the popular 'Chase and Sanborn Hour' alongside Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy. This exposure significantly broadened her audience and established her as a prominent singer before her film career.
1977
Nils Kihlberg
Nils Kihlberg made his screen debut in the film Målaren på stora torget. This marked the beginning of his prolific acting career in Swedish cinema.
1942

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