Croat turned performer (5)
I believe the answer is:
actor
'performer' is the definition.
(actor is a kind of performer)
'croat turned' is the wordplay.
'turned' indicates an anagram.
'croat' with letters rearranged gives 'ACTOR'.
(Other definitions for actor that I've seen before include "Film star" , "Performer in drama" , "Cruise maybe" , "Luvvy" , "one to take on roles" .)