Appearing in over sixty movies throughout her career, Anna May Wong was the first Chinese American film star in Hollywood. In addition to her roles in silent films, television, and stage, Wong landed a role in one of the first movies made in Technicolor. Internationally recognized, her legacy continues to influence entertainers around the world.
Anna May Wong was born Wong Liu Tsong on January 3, 1905, on Flower Street in Los Angeles, one block north of Chinatown, in an integrated community of Chinese, Irish, German and Japanese residents. She was the second of seven children born to Wong Sam-sing, owner of the Sam Kee Laundry, and his second wife, Lee Gon-toy.
Wong began acting in silent films as a teenager, earning her first leading role in The Toll of the Sea (1922). This was one of the first Technicolor films ever made and marked her as a rising star. She gained further recognition for her role as a Mongol slave in The Thief of Bagdad (1924), where her captivating performance stood out despite the limited screen time.
Wong faced significant discrimination and stereotyping in Hollywood, often being cast in roles that reinforced Asian clichés, such as the “Dragon Lady” or the “Butterfly.” Anti-miscegenation laws at the time prohibited interracial relationships on screen, limiting her opportunities for leading roles opposite white actors.
Known for her impeccable sense of style, Anna May Wong was a trendsetter in both Western and Chinese-inspired fashion. She often wore qipaos and other traditional Chinese garments, blending them with the Art Deco styles of the 1920s. Her distinctive bob haircut and dramatic makeup became emblematic of her image.
Frustrated with Hollywood’s limitations, Wong moved to Europe in the late 1920s, where she starred in films such as Piccadilly (1929). In Europe, she found greater appreciation for her artistry and opportunities to play more nuanced characters.
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