Actors of minority heritage seemed to be
acceptable in old Hollywood only when they played
minor roles, or villains. It's interesting to note the
portrayal of Native Americans, for example - who
were often used as extras in Westerns, or larger roles
when they were cast in a negative light (enemies to be
defeated). But when a Native American character was
the hero of the story, he was usually played by a
European actor. Geronimo was played by Chuck
Connors in 1962.
Marlon Brando as Sakini in
Teahouse of the August Moon (1956)
Considering that roles for minority actors have
been very much limited by the lack of diversity on
screen, it seems to be an added problem when the few
roles that call for a character of their own heritage are
played by actors of European descent. Even when the
portrayal is respectful and sympathetic, a white actor
has taken a part that might have been available to an
actor of diverse heritage. It also appears to contribute
to making people of diverse heritage less visible on
our screens, and less valued in our society. Is it not
the case that a minority role should always be played
by an actor of the same heritage?
When I put this question to some Australian
actors, their answers were a little surprising. Remy
Hii is of Asian heritage, and has spoken out
previously on the need for greater diversity in casting.
Remy said, "it's an interesting question with a lot of
grey areas, but my answer is no... also Emma Stone
playing Asian is different from one Asian heritage
actor playing another."
The veteran Australian actor Max Cullen: "I have
played a wide variety of nationalities; colours,
religions; ages; characters of differing political and
sexual persuasion; I have played women and dead
people. Character acting: it's a job. I even know of
actors who have impersonated me (obviously I wasn't
available at the time)."
According to Steven Tandy, "apart from Mickey
Rooney's performance in Breakfast at Tiffany's, any
actor who studies his craft and observes other
nationalities' characteristics should be quite eligible to
play whatever minority role is required."
For these actors, it is the performance that is
important, not the actor's racial background. Perhaps
it makes sense that, if actors of minority heritage are
not to be limited to playing specifically "ethnic" roles,
then equally, minority roles should not be limited to
actors of a specific heritage. However, the vast
difference in opportunities available to actors of
minority heritage against those of the majority may
make this questionable in practice. There are some
who feel strongly that this is the case. Rae Johnston
is an actor of Greek and Aboriginal heritage. Her
answer to the question was, "Without exception. This
is so important."
At least we have reached the stage where this
issue is openly debated, and when if there is an
example of inappropriate casting in a film it will not
pass without question or comment. That must count
as progress.
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