HalfaMoon Day 2 - Changes: Anna May Wong, the first Chinese American film star

halfamoon

Day 2 - Changes

Anna May Wong (1905-1961) was the first Chinese American film star in Hollywood and the first Asian American to become an international star. She started acting at 14, and made about 60 films in her career. Hailed as a fashion icon in 1920s and 1930s, she was a top billed player for over twenty years, working not only in Hollywood, but also in Austria, England, France and Germany. In 1922, at age 17, she became the first Chinese-American to break Hollywood's miscegenation rule playing opposite a white romantic lead in The Toll of the Sea. She was the first Asian-American actress to receive a star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame

( Movie Star from Silent Film to Television Era )

a photo of her from Stars of the Photoplay, 1930

Further reading

Wikipedia Page about Anna May Wong

The First Asian-American on US Currency: Who's Anna May Wong?

How film star Anna May Wong paved the way for Asian representation at the Oscars

Anna May Wong’s Lasting Legacy

Google Doodle celebrates Anna May Wong nearly 100 years after her first leading role. Here’s why she’s in focus