Day 3. Anna May Wong Hollywood’s First Chinese American Star.

Born Wong Liu Tsong in Los Angeles to second-generation Chinese American parents, she grew up in the shadow of Hollywood’s burgeoning film scene — and quickly fell in love with the silver screen. By the age of 17, she had landed her first leading role in The Toll of the Sea (1922) and began a career that would span silent films, talkies, theater, and television.

“I am Chinese by race, and I am American by birth — and I should like to play roles that bring these two together.”

🎬 Stories of Resilience and Radiance

Anna May Wong’s career was a constant balancing act — celebrated for her beauty and screen presence, yet constantly typecast as the exotic seductress, the tragic victim, or the villainess. Despite her immense talent, anti-miscegenation laws and racial prejudices of the time denied her leading roles opposite white male stars.

Key moments of her journey:

• Starred in groundbreaking silent films like The Toll of the Sea (1922) and The Thief of Bagdad (1924)
• Worked internationally in Europe, where she found greater creative freedom and acceptance
• Fought for dignified roles and refused to play demeaning caricatures when offered them
• Was heartbreakingly passed over for the lead in the 1937 adaptation of The Good Earth, with white actress Luise Rainer cast in yellowface — a moment that crystallized the racism of the industry
• Became the first Asian American to star in a U.S. television series with The Gallery of Madame Liu-Tsong (1951)

“Why is it that the screen Chinese is always the villain? And so crude a villain — murderous, treacherous, a snake in the grass.”

📚 Resources to Learn More

Want to explore the life, films, and ongoing influence of Anna May Wong? Check out these resources:

📖 Perpetually Cool: The Many Lives of Anna May Wong, by Anthony B. Chan
📺 Anna May Wong: In Her Own Words (PBS American Masters) — a must-watch documentary
🎥 Films to watch: The Toll of the Sea (1922), Shanghai Express (1932), Piccadilly (1929) Wikipedia profile with movie links

📝 Why Anna May Wong’s Story Matters Today

Anna May Wong’s life remains an essential chapter in the ongoing fight for representation in Hollywood and beyond. Her bravery, vision, and refusal to accept dehumanizing roles paved the way for today’s Asian American actors, writers, and directors.

In an era when Asian and Pacific Islander artists are finally gaining wider recognition, her story reminds us:

• Representation shapes perception — and who gets to tell what stories matters
• Visibility alone is not enough without dignity and authenticity
• Every small victory against stereotype and erasure is built on the courage of those who came before

Reflection

Share your favorite Anna May Wong quote, film, or reflection. Uplift the stories of Asian American artists and pioneers, past and present and consider these questions as you reflect.

💬How did Anna May Wong’s persistence and resilience impact Hollywood?
💬 In what ways can we advocate for more representation in the entertainment industry?

Join us tomorrow as we continue to celebrate and honor outstanding members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.

Asian and Pacific Islander heritage is not monolithic. It stretches across dozens of nations, languages, histories, and spiritual traditions. In honoring these figures, we also honor the beautiful plurality of cultures, family traditions, and lived experiences that make up API communities in America.

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Learn More: 📝 Anna May Wong’s Digital Archive at UCLA Library share details about her life and films.