Starring role
Meaning
The most significant or prominent part played by someone in a performance, event, or situation.
Origin
The very idea of a "star" in entertainment began to truly glitter in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, hand-in-hand with the birth of Hollywood and the grand stages of Broadway. Before this era, actors were often part of larger ensembles, with individual performers rarely singled out for widespread adoration. But as motion pictures flickered to life and theatre scaled up, certain magnetic personalities began to capture the public's imagination, drawing audiences purely on the promise of their presence. The "starring role" then crystallized as the pivotal part, custom-designed for these beloved icons, ensuring their name would shine brightest above the title and cementing their paramount importance to a production's success and box-office appeal.
Examples
- After years of small parts, the actor finally landed the starring role in the new blockbuster, achieving overnight fame.
- During the critical merger negotiations, the CEO took on the starring role, guiding the two companies toward a successful agreement.