10 Worst Examples Of Hollywood Whitewashing

9. Natalie Wood As Maria (West Side Story, 1961)

The Ancient One
United Artists

A contemporary update on Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story focuses on a New York gang war between the Jets – who are white American – and the Sharks – who are Puerto Rican. It’s a very clever use of the classic text, maintaining Shakespeare’s powerful romantic drama while having something to say about troubled race relations in America, which is thematically front and centre throughout.

And yet, the Juliet figure is played by a white woman, Natalie Wood. Though the Rebel Without A Cause star no doubt brought in audiences, and her spray tan and accent aren't as painfully over the top as they could be, it is a shame that this was seen as more important than staying true to the racially charged story.

Oh yeah, and the leader of the Sharks, Bernardo, is played by Greek-American George Chakiris. But these were the sixties, and this would never happen today, would it...?

Well, maybe not as explicitly.

Contributor
Contributor

Kieron is a human male from the planet Earth. By day he writes for various publications, including WhatCulture, Starburst, Doctor Who Adventures, and Campfire Graphic Novels, and edits The Big Picture. By night he's either asleep or watching Netflix, depending on what time he has to get up in the morning.