On October 24, 2022, the U.S. Mint released a 25-cent coin with President Washington on the front and an Asian-faced Hollywood star on the back. This star is none other than Anna May Wong, known in Chinese as Wong Liu Tsong (黃柳霜). Born on January 3, 1905, Anna May Wong holds the distinction of being the first Chinese-American Hollywood actress, the first Asian-American actress to achieve international fame, and the first Chinese woman to have her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She is now also the first Asian woman to grace American currency.
Reflecting the Asian American experience
Anna May Wong’s life story can be seen as a reflection of the Asian American experience. Born near Los Angeles’ Chinatown, she was a third-generation Chinese American, with her ancestral roots in Taishan, Guangdong. Her grandparents had ventured to California during the Gold Rush in 1855, and her parents, both born in the U.S., ran a laundry business near Chinatown. Anna was the second of eight children in her family.
From silent films to mainstream success
Anna May Wong’s career spanned silent films, talkies, theater, stage, and radio. In total, she acted in over 60 films. Her humble beginnings in the 1919 film Red Light as a minor actress evolved to her breakout role in Toll of the Sea in 1922, Hollywood’s first Technicolor movie. Other notable works include Chinatown Charlie (1929), Shanghai Express with Marlene Dietrich, Daughter of Shanghai (1937), Bombs over Burma (1942), and the popular Lady from Chungking (1942).
Confronting racism in Hollywood
Despite her talent, Anna May Wong’s journey in the predominantly white-centric society of America was riddled with challenges. Facing stereotyped roles and racial bias, she seized every opportunity to hone her craft. Furthermore, she became a vocal critic of racial discrimination in Hollywood, addressing unequal representation, stereotypes, and pay disparities for Asian actors.
In 1928, she moved to Europe where the audiences were more receptive and appreciative of her talent with less attention being paid to her race. Her beauty and skills captured hearts, earning her the title of a top fashion icon and one of the most stylish actresses globally.
Embracing her Chinese heritage
In 1936, Anna May Wong traveled to China, exploring her roots, language, and culture. She even took lessons in Peking opera under the guidance of the legendary Mei Lanfang. Upon returning to the U.S., she embraced positive roles, exemplifying intelligent and patriotic female characters in films like Daughter of Shanghai and Bombs over Burma. During World War II, she stepped back from the limelight, supporting China’s resistance efforts. After the war, her career resurged, and by 1951, she led the TV series The Gallery of Madame Liu-Tsong, marking an Asian actress’s pioneering role on American TV. Sadly, she passed away in 1961 while preparing for a role in Flower Drum Song, never having married.
Legacy and remembrance
Anna May Wong’s relentless fight against racism in the U.S. entertainment industry paved the way for future Asian American actors. Over half a century after her demise, her image on a U.S. coin commemorates the achievements and contributions of women in American history. As a Chinese descendant from Taishan, Guangdong, Anna May Wong has etched her name in the annals of American history, symbolizing the nation’s “melting pot” ethos.
Translated by Audrey Wang
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