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The Breakthrough Years of Cinema Stars
First major success in 1940
Gene Tierney
Made her memorable screen debut in The Return of Frank James, establishing her as a new star.
1941
1941
1941
1941
1941
1942
Betty Grable
Became a major box office draw and pin-up queen with films like Down Argentine Way.
1935
1935
1936
1937
1938
1938
Linda Darnell
Linda Darnell achieved her first major breakthrough with her co-starring role opposite Tyrone Power in The Mark of Zorro, which brought her significant public recognition and established her as a leading actress at 20th Century Fox.
1939
1940
1940
1940
1940
1941
Joan Fontaine
Her lead role in Rebecca earned her first Academy Award nomination, making her a Hollywood star.
1938
1939
1939
1940
1940
1941
The Road to Singapore launched the Road to series, cementing his status as a major comedic star.
1940
1942
1943
1944
1944
1945
Her powerful dramatic performance in They Drive by Night showcased her talent and launched her career.
1934
1934
1935
1935
1935
1935
Starred as Abu in The Thief of Bagdad, establishing him as a beloved child star in fantasy films.
1937
1938
1938
1942
1943
1946
Van Heflin
Gained significant notice for strong supporting roles in The Philadelphia Story and The Westerner.
1948
1948
1948
1948
1951
1957
John Huston
Received his first Academy Award nomination for co-writing the screenplay of Dr. Ehrlich's Magic Bullet.
1956
1966
1980
1983
1984
1986
Ruth Hussey
Earned an Academy Award nomination for her memorable supporting role in The Philadelphia Story.
1939
1940
1941
1941
George Sanders
Delivered memorable performances in Rebecca and Foreign Correspondent, solidifying his sophisticated villain image.
1948
1951
1951
Fortunio Bonanova
Playing Sergeant Gonzales in the swashbuckling classic The Mark of Zorro marked a significant career breakthrough for Bonanova. This memorable antagonist role increased his visibility and established him as a reliable character actor in major Hollywood productions.
1922
1922
Carol Bruce
Carol Bruce achieved her major career breakthrough starring as Julie Webster in Irving Berlin's original Broadway musical Louisiana Purchase. This pivotal role established her as a prominent musical theater actress.
1940
Jack Oakie
Received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in The Great Dictator.
1935

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