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The Breakthrough Years of Cinema Stars
First major success in 1973
Harrison Ford
His memorable role as Bob Falfa in American Graffiti brought him widespread recognition.
1977
1977
1977
1977
1979
1979
Posthumously, Enter the Dragon became his first major Hollywood leading role, cementing his global icon status.
1973
1973
1974
1974
1975
1975
Robert De Niro
His intense portrayal of Johnny Boy in Mean Streets marked his major breakout film role.
1977
1977
1977
1977
1977
1977
Laura Antonelli
Malicious (Malizia) was a major box office success and made Laura Antonelli a star, marking her definitive career breakthrough.
1968
1969
1969
1970
1970
1971
Chuck Norris
His iconic fight with Bruce Lee in Way of the Dragon was his first major film appearance.
1976
1979
1980
1980
1980
1981
Caroline Munro
This year saw her gain international recognition for her role as Margiana in the fantasy film "The Golden Voyage of Sinbad. It was a significant step in establishing her as a prominent figure in genre cinema.
1968
1969
1974
1975
1975
1997
Sissy Spacek
Her captivating lead performance in Terrence Malick's Badlands was her first critically acclaimed starring role.
1977
1977
1980
1981
1981
1986
Kris Kristofferson
Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid was his first significant acting role in a major film.
1975
1977
1977
1977
1978
1978
Martin Scorsese
Mean Streets was his critical and artistic breakthrough, establishing his distinctive directorial voice.
1998
2008
2010
2019
2019
2019
Otto Waalkes
The release of his debut LP Otto marked his breakthrough as a national comedy star. The album sold millions, establishing his unique blend of music, stand-up, and slapstick humor across Germany.
1985
1987
1987
1987
1990
1992
Harvey Keitel
His powerful performance as Charlie Cappa in Mean Streets brought him widespread critical recognition.
1980
1993
1995
1997
2001
2020
Linda Blair
Her terrifying performance as Regan MacNeil in The Exorcist brought her global fame and Oscar nomination.
1974
1975
1977
1991
2014
Richard Dreyfuss
His charismatic performance as Curt Henderson in American Graffiti was his breakout role.
1975
1979
1979
1988
1988
Lesley-Anne Down
Lesley-Anne Down achieved widespread recognition for her role as Georgina Worsley in the popular and critically acclaimed British television series "Upstairs, Downstairs. Joining in the second season, this role established her as a prominent actress in a major drama.
1979
1985
1986
1987
Tatum O'Neal
Won an Academy Award for Paper Moon, making her the youngest Oscar winner ever.
1973
1976
1980
1982
Ron Howard
His role as Steve Bolander in American Graffiti established him as a significant young film star.
2009
2014
Yolanda Ríos
Her early career began to take shape with a notable role in the film Los descarriados. This marked one of her first significant appearances on the big screen.
1977
1979
Manuel Tejada
Achieved critical recognition for his role as 'Padre de Isabel' in Victor Erice's acclaimed film El espíritu de la colmena (The Spirit of the Beehive), which won the Golden Shell at the San Sebastián International Film Festival. This marked his significant entry into acclaimed Spanish cinema.
1980
Charles Martin Smith
Charles Martin Smith achieved his first major acting breakthrough with the iconic film American Graffiti, where he played Terry 'The Toad' Fields. This role, in a highly successful and influential movie, established him as a recognizable young talent in Hollywood.
1987

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