The Hobbit - a sort of prequel to The Lord of the Rings - enjoyed great and instant success when it was published, in 1937.

BBC: Rings fellowship keeps on growing

He came to Baker because he had a friend there, and despite near-instant success, scouts weren't convinced.

WSJ: From Baker U. to the Bronx

It was an instant success and performed in some 100 theatres throughout Germany.

ECONOMIST: Norbert Schultze

It was an instant success and remained a bestseller for years.

ECONOMIST: Anne Lindbergh

Brian McClair was an instant success at Old Trafford and scored 24 goals in his first season becoming the first player since George Best to score over 20 League goals in one season.

BBC: Former Manchester United star Brian McClair

Among the lottery-funded projects which have proved less of an instant success are the Millennium Dome, Millennium Bridge and Glasgow Science Centre Tower.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Lottery's finest to mark 10 years

Ebert's breezy and quotable style, as well as his deep understanding of film technique and the business side of the industry, made him an almost instant success.

NPR: Ebert, Nation's Best-Known Film Critic, Dies At 70

While guns, girls and gadgets have remained immutable to the world of the secret agent, instant box office success has sometimes been elusive.

BBC: The many faces of Bond

Anderson reaped instant success as Shane Watson edged a simple catch to Swann at first slip and Tim Paine, fresh from a maiden one-day ton at Trent Bridge in the previous match, followed suit to give Onions his first one-day wicket for England.

BBC: England escape one-day whitewash

Their success led to instant fame: They toured with Michael Jackson, appeared on TV shows, and even had their own video game.

NPR: Chris Kelly Of 1990s Rap Duo Kris Kross Dies