Mickey Rooney as Mr. Yunioshi in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”
“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” is a beloved and iconic movie that catapulted Audrey Hepburn to stardom. However, there is an aspect that deserves more discussion—Mickey Rooney’s portrayal of Mr. Yunioshi.
The movie was made in the ’60s, a different era where racist humor was unfortunately more tolerated. Nonetheless, some critics have rightly pointed out the problematic nature of Rooney’s characterization.
In a review, The Hollywood Reporter noted that while Rooney committed fully to the role of a Japanese photographer, the character came across as a caricature, and it can be offensive to many viewers.