Hollywood has provided viewers with many unforgettable performances, but not all roles have gone as planned, either for the actors or for viewers. Some roles can be attributed to miscasting, while for others, it could be due to a lack of cultural sensitivity. Many actors have, over the years, looked back on their roles and wished they could change some of them. The cases of these 16 actors are a clear reminder of the significance of thoughtful casting, accountability, and awareness.
16. Halle Berry – Considering a Trans Man Role
The actress Halle Berry was criticized when she was rumored to be playing the role of a trans man in an upcoming film. Many in the trans community and their supporters felt the role should be played by a trans actor, which is why Halle Berry stepped down from the film and apologized.
The actress understands the significance of the representation and the fact that she should not have been in the film. Halle Berry’s move is a highlight in the long discussion in Hollywood about who gets to represent the stories of marginalized communities.
15. Ed Skrein – Hellboy Whitewashing Controversy
The actor, Ed Skrein, was originally set to play the role of Major Ben Daimio in the Hellboy reboot, a character who is Japanese American in the comics. However, the casting of the actor in the role was criticized for whitewashing, and the actor himself has since decided to step down from the role, saying that the role should be played by an actor of the character’s heritage.
The decision by the actor to step down from the role has been praised, and it is an important case of an actor being aware of the power he has and the importance of using it for the greater good. The controversy has also brought to the forefront the whitewashing problem that Hollywood is facing.
14. Jimmy Kimmel – Blackface Sketches
Jimmy Kimmel’s past comedy sketches included blackface, which resurfaced and drew significant backlash. Kimmel publicly apologized, acknowledging that the performances were offensive and inappropriate.
The incident reignited discussions about the legacy of blackface in American comedy. His apology was part of a broader reckoning in entertainment, highlighting the responsibility of comedians to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
13. Julianne Moore – Playing a Lesbian in The Kids Are All Right
Julianne Moore starred as a lesbian mother in The Kids Are All Right, a performance that earned critical acclaim. However, she later expressed uncertainty about taking similar roles in the future, reflecting on the importance of LGBTQ actors portraying LGBTQ characters.
Her comments demonstrate Hollywood’s growing awareness of authentic representation. The conversation around this continues, balancing the opportunity for talented actors with the need for lived experience in storytelling.
12. Alison Brie – Voicing Diane Nguyen in BoJack Horseman
Alison Brie voiced Diane Nguyen, a Vietnamese American character, on BoJack Horseman. Years later, she admitted regret, recognizing that the role should have been cast with an actor of Vietnamese descent.
Her acknowledgment came amid a wider push in the animation industry for authentic representation. Brie’s reflection emphasizes that inclusion matters not just on screen but behind the microphone as well.
11. Kristen Bell – Voicing Molly in Central Park
Kristen Bell originally voiced Molly, a biracial character in Central Park. Following criticism, she stepped down, stating that the character should be voiced by someone who shares her racial background.
The role was recast with Emmy Raver-Lampman, a Black actress, and the move was widely praised. Bell’s decision reflected the growing expectation that characters of color should be voiced by actors of color, promoting both authenticity and equity.
10. Jenny Slate – Voicing Missy in Big Mouth
Jenny Slate was initially the voice of Missy, a biracial character. Over time, however, Jenny Slate realized that her involvement in the show was part of the problem of a lack of authentic Black voices in animation. This was a positive step towards a better approach to storytelling.
The character was recast with Ayo Edebiri after Jenny Slate stepped down. The decision was well-received as a step in the right direction. Jenny Slate’s decision was a good example of actors recognizing their mistakes and helping to create a better and more thoughtful approach.
9. Anne Hathaway – The Witches and Disability Representation
Anne Hathaway starred as the Grand High Witch in the 2020 adaptation of The Witches. Critics argued that the character’s physical differences reinforced negative stereotypes about limb differences.
Hathaway issued a public apology, expressing regret and committing to do better in the future. The controversy sparked broader discussions about disability representation in Hollywood and the need for more thoughtful portrayals.
8. Hank Azaria – Voicing Apu on The Simpsons
Hank Azaria voiced Apu Nahasapeemapetilon for decades, but the character became controversial for perpetuating South Asian stereotypes. Azaria eventually stepped down and apologized publicly for his portrayal.
He recognized that his performance contributed to harmful representation, prompting The Simpsons to commit to casting actors of color for characters of color. The Apu controversy remains a key moment in conversations about diversity and inclusion in animation.
7. Jimmy Fallon – Blackface on SNL
Jimmy Fallon was accused of a sketch aired on SNL, in which he played Chris Rock in blackface. The video was shared again after a number of years and caused a lot of controversy and discussion about racial sensitivity in comedy.
Jimmy Fallon apologized for his actions in a public statement and admitted that his actions were wrong and offensive. The controversy caused a lot of discussion in the industry about content created using racial stereotypes.
6. Rooney Mara – Playing Tiger Lily in Pan
The movie Pan starred Rooney Mara as Tiger Lily, but this did not sit well with many people, especially considering the whitewashing of the Native American role. Rooney Mara played Tiger Lily, but many people felt that an Indigenous person should have played the part.
However, Rooney Mara admitted that an Indigenous person should have played the part, indicating that many people were right in their criticism of the movie. It is important to note that Rooney Mara’s statement served as an important reminder of the need for authenticity in movie production.
5. Zoe Saldana – Portraying Nina Simone
Zoe Saldana received criticism for her portrayal of Nina Simone in the biopic. She was criticized for her use of dark makeup to portray the singer. It was argued that an actress of dark complexion should have played the role of Nina Simone.
Zoe Saldana had apologized for her role in the movie, saying that she should never have taken up the role. She had said that she had apologized to the family of Nina Simone for playing the role of the singer.
4. Scarlett Johansson – Trans Role in Rub and Tug
Actress Scarlett Johansson was initially given the part of playing a trans man in the upcoming film Rub and Tug. This caused an immediate backlash because many people felt that the part should be played by a trans actor.
In an attempt to rectify the problem and calm the backlash, Johansson announced that she was withdrawing from the part. This was a turning point in Hollywood and helped shape the way in which they handle similar roles in the future.
3. Jake Gyllenhaal – Prince of Persia Whitewashing
Jake Gyllenhaal was also given the role of the Persian hero in the film Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. However, the film received a lot of criticism on the basis of whitewashing. Many felt that the role should have been played by an actor of Middle Eastern descent to respect the character’s culture.
However, Gyllenhaal would go on to admit that he should not have taken the role, citing the importance of cultural representation in film casting. The film has since been used to illustrate the whitewashing issues that Hollywood continues to grapple with in its productions.
2. Gwyneth Paltrow – Fat Suit in Shallow Hal
Gwyneth Paltrow wore a fat suit during her role in Shallow Hal, which is now criticized for fat-shaming and body image insensitivity. The body image and comedy of the movie do not stand the test of time, encouraging discussions about body image and comedy.
Paltrow confessed that she was embarrassed by her role, which she now regrets. It is evident that body image and body diversity values of Hollywood have come a long way, encouraging sensitivity.
1. Emma Stone – Playing Allison Ng in Aloha
Emma Stone was given the role of Allison Ng, a character who was half Asian and half Hawaiian, in the movie Aloha. This decision was met with instant backlash since Stone did not identify with the character’s ethnicity, leading to an important discussion on race in Hollywood.
Emma Stone has since apologized for taking up the role, stating that she should not have done that and that she has learned a lot from the backlash. This situation has led to an important discussion on the need for accurate representation in Hollywood, especially when it comes to mixed-race or Asian roles.
Hollywood is evolving, and so are the conversations around representation and authenticity. These actors’ reflections show that even mistakes can lead to growth—both for performers and the industry. By acknowledging past missteps, they’re helping pave the way for more inclusive, respectful, and thoughtful storytelling on screen.