10 Most Controversial Movie Castings of All Time

3. Mickey Rooney - Breakfast at Tiffany's

One of the most absurdly racist pieces of casting in film history, this supersedes even John Wayne's ridiculous entry earlier, because in playing Mr. Yunioshi, Mickey Rooney is openly making fun of the Asian stereotype. With ridiculous buck teeth, gigantic glasses and excessively squinted eyes, Rooney looks like a bit of walking, talking, racist propaganda, disgracing everyone involved with its concoction, specifically Rooney, who famously regrets ever taking the role despite entering into it with the most honest of intentions. Not dissimilar from the black face of the early 20th century, Rooney's turn seeks to openly mock a race, and is an unfortunate blemish on an otherwise excellent film, somewhat tainting its legacy. Furthermore, this criticism has only grown in recent years, as we become a more progressive, tolerant society and re-appraise classic cinema; what was harmless and acceptable at the time is in retrospect pretty disgusting, and undeniably absurdly racist.