Anna May Wong

The first Chinese-American Hollywood star who broke racial barriers and redefined Asian representation in film.

Anna May Wong (1905–1961) emerged as a trailblazing actress during Hollywood's Golden Age, confronting systemic racism to become the first Asian-American international star. Despite roles often limited to stereotypes, such as in The Thief of Bagdad (1924), she infused depth into her characters. Her performance in Shanghai Express (1932) alongside Marlene Dietrich showcased her talent, though she was denied leading roles due to anti-miscegenation laws. Wong later starred in the TV series The Gallery of Madame Liu-Tsong (1951), becoming the first Asian-American lead in U.S. television.

Wong’s activism extended beyond cinema. She publicly criticized Hollywood’s typecasting and traveled to China to study her heritage, documented in biographies. Her influence persists in modern icons like Lucy Liu, who cites Wong as an inspiration. In 2022, she became the first Asian-American featured on U.S. currency with the Quarter Program. Anna May Wong’s resilience and artistry paved the way for diverse representation in media, making her a timeless symbol of cultural defiance.