Mickey Rooney in Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)

Mickey Rooney's yellowface portrayal of Mr. Yunioshi in Breakfast at Tiffany's remains one of Hollywood's most racist performances, featuring buck teeth and a thick, offensive accent. The role, intended as comic relief, is now universally condemned, with 95% of modern critics labeling it a harmful stereotype. Even Rooney later expressed regret, calling it a 'terrible mistake.' This casting decision is more egregious than #4 Ben Kingsley's Mandarin twist, as Rooney's performance was not redeemed by a clever narrative but instead tarnished an otherwise beloved film. The character's caricature has led to widespread calls for removal from streaming platforms, overshadowing the film's cultural impact.