The 25 breakout stars of 2011: Michael Fassbender, Scotty McCreery, Melissa McCarthy and more
Which new names in music, movies and TV made the biggest impact?
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November 24, 2011 at 5:54PM EST Reply to CommentNo Donald Glover on this list? He continues to be great on Community, he released his breakout hit 'Freaks and Geeks' and his album Camp as Childish Gambino, and had an hour-long stand up special on Comedy Central. He's definitely broken out in 2011.
Chris I have nothing to do with this list, but I would say it's hard to say Donald Glover has "broken" when his show is likely to be cancelled and his album is likely to go largely unheard. I love the guy to death and I think he has the potential to be a megastar one day, but I doubt most people even know who he is.
November 24, 2011 at 11:15PM ESTrandyDUDE17 agreed
December 16, 2011 at 12:37PM ESTkeith
November 24, 2011 at 6:00PM EST Reply to CommentNo Donald Glover? He's not actually related to Danny Glover even though they're both black.
Sareeta
November 24, 2011 at 8:04PM EST Reply to Comment1. Peter Dinklage - well-deserved Emmy win for his role as Tyrion Lannister
2. Michael Fassbender - I first saw him in Fish Tank and he was amazing. What a juicy role he got to play in X Men first class.
3. Giancarlo Esposito - I had my reservations about his character on Breaking Bad, but by the end of Season 4 I am convinced the show would not have been as amazing without him; he was great in season 3, amazing in season 4.
Son of Mecha Mummy
November 24, 2011 at 8:55PM EST Reply to CommentI'm really puzzled by people who thought Heather Morris was the highlight of season two and not Naya Rivera.
Jax While I like Heather Morris, I thought Rivera did ten times better.
December 14, 2011 at 10:37PM ESTemmy
November 24, 2011 at 9:41PM EST Reply to Commentall the awards
Chris
November 24, 2011 at 11:12PM EST Reply to CommentDon't forget Tom Hiddleston's memorable supporting role as F. Scott Fitzgerald in "Midnight in Paris" this year.
Joe Wow I somehow didn't even realize that was him. A breakout year indeed.
November 25, 2011 at 5:24AM ESTRB
November 25, 2011 at 4:49AM EST Reply to CommentNaya is my favorite on Glee, she's a great actress,singer and dancer!
Joann
November 26, 2011 at 9:54PM EST Reply to CommentGiancarlo Esposito stole season four. His portrayal of Gus Fring deserves an Emmy nomination. I love the seen in the elevator after being question by the DEA about Gail. Gus shows his rage by his fingers moving. It's looks like something Fosse would choreograph.
Joann
November 26, 2011 at 9:58PM EST Reply to CommentI wish he Wayans did both New Girl and Happy Endings
K. Bowen
November 27, 2011 at 4:34PM EST Reply to CommentIsn't 25 a little too many? Or perhaps way too many? Are there really 25 stars that break out in any single year? Or does that devalue the term?
Ted
November 29, 2011 at 9:54AM EST Reply to CommentIs this rag for those who "think" they know cinema? Poor excuse!
j
November 30, 2011 at 4:25AM EST Reply to CommentExcuse you Lea Michele was the break out star of seasons 1
Me
December 1, 2011 at 5:57PM EST Reply to Commentno Tom Hardy?
afroebob
December 2, 2011 at 8:26PM EST Reply to CommentI knew maybe 4 people on this list. Hardly call them 'breakout'.
Peter
December 4, 2011 at 4:28PM EST Reply to CommentNo Ryan Gosling? I know he's done some stuff before, but he just had 3 smash hits and now EVERYONE knows who he is.
chort I don't. But then again I don't watch much pop trash.
December 10, 2011 at 10:03PM ESTJoy
January 3, 2012 at 12:04AM EST Reply to CommentYou forgot that Hiddleston was also in Midnight in Paris, possibly the biggest indie film of the year!