Thursday, May 9, 2013

Asians Out Loud: Anna May Wong




Anna May Wong was the first Asian American Actress. Born in in Los Angeles, to second-generation Chinese parents, Anna developed a love for the movies and began acting when she was in her teens.

During the Silent Movie era, Anna was casted in Toll of the Sea (1922), one of the first movies to be made in Technicolor and in The Thief of Baghdad (1924). She soon became a fashion icon and reached international stardom.


Although she soon was know throughout the world, Anna was not happy. Unsatisfied with the roles that she received while in Hollywood, Anna decided to head to Europe. There she starred in many notable films and plays, such as Piccadilly. She also received many featured roles during the early sound era, in movies such as Shanghai Express with Marlene Dietrich.


After a disappointing rejection from MGM for the leading role in Pearl S. Bucks The Good Earth, Anna moved to Paramount and worked in several movies that portrayed Chinese Americans in a positive light.

When World War II broke out, Anna refocused her energy to helping the Chinese cause against the Japanese. She donated her money and auctioned off her Hollywood costumes in efforts to help the Chinese refugees.


After a 6 year absence from the film industry, Anna returned in 1949 with the movie Impact. In 1951, Anna May Wong was given her own television series The Gallery of Madame Liu-Tsong, which was the first American television show to have an Asian American lead.

Anna May Wong died in 1961 at the age of 56, while sleeping in her Santa Monica home.

She has been credited with "humanizing" Chinese Americans in the eyes of white America during times of discrimination and racism.

Way to go Anna!


17 comments:

  1. She's so pretty!!! And she's amazing, what a great woman!

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  2. I remember her from the movie "Shanghai Express".She is gorgeous! Thanks for all the informations!

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    1. Thanks for reading....I really appreciate it.

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  3. New follower here from the Friday Blog Hop and The Second Thought (http://thesecond-thought.blogspot.com) :)

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    1. Hi Jessica....thanks for stopping by. I will definitely pop over.

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  4. She was so beautiful! It's sad that she died so young.

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  5. Such a beautiful woman! I've never heard of her..

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    1. I wanted to highlight the first Asian Americans who broke through barriers.....glad I could share this with you.

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  6. I don't think I have heard of her. She was gorgeous. Thanks for sharing.
    I nominated you for a sunshine award :)
    http://simplysarahsblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/sunshine-award-x2.html

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    1. Thanks Sarah....I'm so far behind with things. I will definitely pop over and thanks for the nomination.

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  7. Interesting, never heard of her, but what ground breaking all of that was for her.
    Looking Back

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    1. Thanks Sandy....she was definitely amazing in my eyes.

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  8. I have nominated you for the sunshine award. Details on my blog! :)

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  9. Thank you for very nice review of Anna May Wong - she is indeed truly talented and respectful woman. Hope you enjoy the film clips contributed to Anna May Wong.. http://wp.me/p3bwN9-cK Best, Gwen

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