Who is Anna May Wong

Anna May Wong Biography

Anna May Wong was a Chinese-American actress who was one of the first Asian-American movie stars. She appeared in over 50 films during her career, including the silent film "The Toll of the Sea" and the classic Hollywood movies "Shanghai Express" and "The Thief of Bagdad." Despite facing racism and discrimination in the film industry, Wong was a trailblazer for Asian-American representation and helped pave the way for future generations of actors and actresses. She was also an activist and worked to improve the image of Asian Americans in the media.

Anna May Wong Facts

  • Anna May Wong was an American actress and the first Chinese American movie star.
  • She was born on January 3, 1905, in Los Angeles, California.
  • Wong began her acting career in the silent film era and achieved international fame in the 1920s and 1930s.
  • She faced racial discrimination and limited opportunities in Hollywood due to the prevailing stereotypes and discriminatory casting practices of the time.
  • Despite the challenges, Anna May Wong became known for her talent, beauty, and charisma on screen.
  • She appeared in over 50 films, playing diverse roles that defied stereotypes and showcased her versatility as an actress.
  • Wong starred in notable films such as "The Toll of the Sea" (1922), "Shanghai Express" (1932), and "Daughter of Shanghai" (1937).
  • She gained recognition for her fashion-forward style and became a fashion icon, influencing trends of the time.
  • Anna May Wong's performances often brought depth and complexity to her characters, challenging racial prejudices and showcasing her acting range.
  • She also faced limitations in her career due to the restrictive anti-miscegenation laws of the era, which prohibited romantic relationships between Asian characters and white characters on screen.
  • Wong's talent and international acclaim led her to work in Europe, where she received more substantial and diverse roles than she did in Hollywood.
  • She was a trailblazer for Asian representation in film and served as an inspiration for future generations of Asian American actors.
  • Anna May Wong actively advocated for greater opportunities and more accurate portrayals of Asians in the film industry.
  • Later in her career, Wong also ventured into television and stage work, broadening her artistic repertoire.
  • Her contributions to film and her impact on Asian representation continue to be celebrated and recognized.
  • Anna May Wong's legacy as a pioneering actress and cultural icon remains significant, reminding us of the need for diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry.

Anna May Wong Quotes

"Every time your picture is taken, you lose a part of your soul."

ELEVATE
Free Resource: A step-by-step blueprint to realize your dreams

- Anna May Wong Quotes

***

* The editor of this short biography made every effort to maintain information accuracy, including any quotes, facts, or key life events.

Reading is Smart. Applying is Smarter:  Apply

Chief Editor

Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.

 
Actualize Your Potential
Get my simplified process for realizing dreams (The exact process that enabled me to achieve 100 life goals in 10 years)
GET IT FREE:
Access my Start With WHY workbook for free, designed to guide you toward your purpose and the person you are meant to become
expert_advice
Align With Your Why
Elevate In Your Inbox
Get actionable insights, best practices, and wisdom you can apply — No hype, No fluff. Just practical ideas that might change your life.

Read The Art of Fully Living

There's no going back-once you embark on the journey you're meant to live, it's impossible to settle for anything less than your dreams.

Click here to learn more

Set Better Goals

Learn a better and smarter approach to setting and achieving goals. It's not just about what you want to achieve, but who you must become in the process.

Click here to learn more
Take The Free Test
Discover your areas for growth in just 5 minutes. Take the FREE self-evaluation test and pinpoint where to focus your efforts

Uplevel Your Game

Explore The Roadmaps

Access a self-paced online roadmap that turns big goals into realities, complete with daily study guides, actionable steps, and proven practices from the world's best minds
Reclaim your freedom, escape 9-5, and live the life you were meant to live — A self-paced roadmap with daily study guides, actionable steps, and proven practices
Join The Accelerator
Join a 10-week, personalized immersion that will accelerate your goal-attainment, elevate you to your next level, and turn your big dreams into reality.
Learn More
Contact
Thanks for reading. It makes a difference. A portion of all proceeds from our endeavors supports entrepreneurs in the developing world. View Impact...