White Actors Who Played Black Characters and Never Apologized

For a long time, entertainment relied on having white actors play Black characters – a practice now widely seen as harmful and unacceptable. These performances often mirrored the prejudiced beliefs of the time and were sometimes excused then, despite the damage they caused. Interestingly, many of the people involved never spoke about it publicly, even years later as society changed. Studying these instances helps us understand how the entertainment industry has evolved and how representation has improved over time.

Al Jolson

Al Jolson was a popular performer during vaudeville and the early days of film, and he often used blackface makeup – a practice he helped establish in cinematic history. His performance in one of the first major “talkie” films solidified this technique in Hollywood’s early filmmaking process. While common for the time, Jolson continued to use blackface throughout his career and never spoke out about the criticisms it later received.

Laurence Olivier in ‘Othello’ (1965)

Laurence Olivier starred in a movie version of a famous Shakespeare play, and used makeup to make his skin look darker. This was common practice at the time, with white actors frequently being cast in roles originally written for people of Moorish or African descent. Olivier carefully prepared for the part, imitating how the role was traditionally performed on stage. Although he talked about the filmmaking process later on, he never reconsidered his choice to portray the character in that way.

Billy Crystal on ‘Saturday Night Live’

During his time on a popular TV comedy show, Billy Crystal often performed sketches where he imitated famous Black figures. These characters relied on common stereotypes and were meant to be funny as part of the show. This happened at a time when network executives didn’t often question such portrayals. Although Crystal later reflected on the show, he never apologized for those performances.

Ted Danson at the Friars Club Roast

Ted Danson wore blackface during a well-publicized comedy roast, which sparked a lot of media coverage and debate. The event was intended as a daring and edgy comedy show, continuing a history of controversial humor in similar events. While the public reacted in many different ways, Danson never apologized for his decision to appear in blackface.

Thomas D. Rice

In the early 1800s, Thomas D. Rice became famous for performing a character based on exaggerated and offensive stereotypes of Black Americans. This act was incredibly popular and set the standard for a type of entertainment called minstrelsy, significantly influencing later stage performances. Audiences loved it, and the character spread quickly with traveling shows. Rice continued performing this routine for many years and never publicly addressed its consequences.

Gene Wilder in ‘Silver Streak’ (1976)

In a well-known action comedy, Gene Wilder participated in a scene where his skin was darkened for comedic effect. This was presented as part of a clever escape plan by the characters and intended to be funny. The film was a big hit and became closely linked to the movie’s lead comedic duo. Although Wilder spoke about making the film, he never commented publicly on that particular scene.

Robert Downey Jr. in ‘Tropic Thunder’ (2008)

In a satirical movie poking fun at how Hollywood works, Robert Downey Jr. played an actor who dramatically changed his appearance for a role. The story explored the wasteful side of the film industry and offered a lot of different things to think about. The performance sparked a lot of discussion and people had many different reactions to it. Downey Jr. talked about the movie’s humor, but he didn’t apologize for how he played the character.

Fred Astaire in ‘Swing Time’ (1936)

In a famous classic musical, Fred Astaire performed a musical number while wearing blackface makeup. This was common practice for performers at the time and was integrated into the film’s complex choreography. The movie became a beloved and important example of early Hollywood musicals. Despite his continued success, Astaire never spoke about this performance.

Bing Crosby in ‘Holiday Inn’ (1942)

Bing Crosby appeared in a film performance featuring blackface as part of a holiday segment. While controversial by today’s standards, this practice was, unfortunately, common in Hollywood films made during wartime. The movie became a holiday tradition and was shown for many years, and Crosby never publicly addressed the inclusion of this scene.

Eddie Cantor in Multiple Performances

Eddie Cantor was a popular entertainer in the early to mid-1900s, known for his performances in stage shows, films, radio, and television. He often used blackface as part of his comedic musical routines, which were a regular feature in major theaters, and helped make the practice widespread in entertainment. Despite a long and public career filled with interviews, Cantor never expressed regret for using blackface.

Share your thoughts on how these portrayals shaped entertainment history in the comments.

2025-11-16 22:45