There’s no denying that Hollywood has a representation problem when it comes to Asian actors. According to a 2016 diversity study, Asian actors nabbed only 3.9 percent of speaking roles in film ― a stark contrast from the 73.7 percent white actors received.
It always has, too. From the silent era onward, the film industry has a long history of whitewashing, or, casting white actors in stories about Asians or Asian Americans.
Case in point? Katharine Hepburn’s yellowface and exaggerated taped eyelids in 1944’s “Dragon Seed,” and Mickey Rooney’s ridiculous buck-toothed landlord in 1961’s “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”
Still, actual Asians were working in Hollywood at the time, paving the way for the likes of present-day actors like Constance Wu and John Cho.
Below, we remember 11 badass old-school Asian actors that you should know about ― if you don’t already.
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