Who is Anna May Wong, the first Asian-American on US currency?
WHEN Anna May Wong began her career in Hollywood in the 1920s, the American entertainment industry was dominated by white filmmakers and actors. Individuals from other races usually play side characters or antagonists.
Throughout her career, Wong defied such stereotypes and eventually became the first Asian-American woman to receive recognition on the Walk of Fame.
Wong, who died in 1961, was once again honored for her contributions. Her image will be featured on new United States coins, making her the first Asian-American to be immortalized on US currency.
Here are five facts about Wong’s life and career.
Wong appeared in over 60 films
Wong was only 14 years old when she acted as an extra in The Red Lantern, her first film.
However, despite her talent as an actress, Wong was often given roles that portrayed racist and stereotypical images of Asians. Two years after The Toll of the Sea, Wong played a Mongol slave in The Thief of Bagdad, in addition to the stereotypical portrayal of Asian women as fierce and mysterious.
Wong auditioned for the lead role in the 1937 film The Good Earth, based on the famous novel about a Chinese peasant family. However, the role was given to a white actress, Luise Rainer.
Wong is a ‘voice’ for Asian-Americans
Despite the prevalence of racism in Hollywood, Wong consistently pushed for more Asian-American actors on the silver screen. It finally began to bear fruit when in 1938, she was given a more positive role as a Chinese-American doctor in The King of Chinatown.
Throughout her career, Wong defied such stereotypes and eventually became the first Asian-American woman to receive recognition on the Walk of Fame. – REUTERS photo
First Asian-American woman to receive Walk of Fame recognition
Wong’s contributions were recognized in 1960 when she became the first Asian-American actor to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His role in The King of Chinatown is considered a breakthrough for Wong and Asian-American actors.
She will appear in the currency series with other women who made history
Wong is one of five women featured in the Women Quarters Program, which aims to highlight the cultural and historical contributions of various US women.
Other icons chosen include writer Maya Angelou; Dr. Sally Ride, an educator and the first American woman in space; Wilma Mankiller, the first woman elected as Cherokee principal chief, and Nina Otero-Warren, an important figure in the New Mexico women’s rights movement.
Asian-American groups celebrated the recognition
Bing Chen, co-founder of the Gold House organization, which works to bring Asian-American content and pushes for more representatives of the race, called the development “much needed” and noted that Wong is an icon of all generations.
However, Chen said Asian-Americans continue to face many obstacles today.
“Asian women face many challenges, from being attacked, to being objectified on screen, to being the least likely group to be promoted to corporate management.
“This coin reinforces what is known, they (Asian-Americans) are here and deserve it,” Chen said.
source – Agency
