In the glittering world of Hollywood, where dreams are spun into silver screen reality, there exists a tale of a young woman who defied the conventions of her time and etched her name in the halls of history. Anna May Wong, born in the heart of Los Angeles' Chinatown, embarked on a remarkable journey during the early 20th century, a journey that would make her the first Asian American woman to step onto Hollywood's stage. Her story is one of talent, ambition, and unyielding determination, and it serves as a testament to the power of breaking boundaries.
A Dream Born in Chinatown
Wong Liu Tsong 黃柳霜 (Anna May Wong was her stage name) was born in Los Angeles' Chinatown in 1905, at a time when Hollywood was still in its infancy. Her parents, second-generation Chinese immigrants, owned a laundry business, but Anna May was determined to take a different path. From a young age, she was captivated by the dazzling world of cinema.
Stepping into the Spotlight
Anna May Wong's first step into the world of acting occurred when she was just a teenager. Her enchanting performances in local productions caught the attention of Hollywood producers, and soon, she was stepping onto the silver screen in supporting roles. However, the Hollywood of the time was far from diverse, and opportunities for Asian actors were limited.
In the era of silent films, Wong's talent shone brightly. Her breakthrough came in the silent film The Toll of the Sea (1922), in which she portrayed the lead role. Her mesmerising performance garnered widespread acclaim, marking her as a rising star.
Breaking Barriers
Hollywood was not ready to fully embrace diversity. The sexist attitudes and racist stereotypes confined Wong to a narrow range of roles, often playing exotic characters or villains. Determined to overcome these limitations, she sought opportunities abroad and traveled to Europe.
In Europe, Anna May Wong's career flourished. She starred in German and British films, becoming a celebrated actress on both sides of the Atlantic. Her global recognition transcended borders and cultures, making her a symbol of Asian representation in cinema. Anna May Wong eventually returned to Hollywood, ready to challenge the status quo.
Her mosts notable films:
The Toll of the Sea (1922): Anna May Wong played the lead role of Lotus Flower in this silent film, marking her breakthrough in Hollywood. Her performance as Lotus Flower received critical acclaim.
The Thief of Bagdad (1924): Anna May Wong played the role of a Mongol slave in this grand adventure film.
Piccadilly (1929): In this British silent film, Anna May Wong portrayed the character of Shosho, earning praise for her compelling performance.
Daughter of the Dragon (1931): In this film, she portrayed the character of Princess Ling Moy. Her role in this crime drama allowed her to showcase her acting skills and versatility.
Shanghai Express (1932): Wong starred as Hui Fei, a memorable role in this film that also featured Marlene Dietrich. She became the first Asian American to win top billing in a Hollywood film.
Limehouse Blues (1934): She played the role of Tu Tuan, adding her unique charm to this drama film.
Dangerous to Know (1938): In this crime drama, Anna portrayed the character Su Lin, further demonstrating her range as an actress.
Anna May Wong's filmography showcases her talent and her ability to take on diverse roles, even during a time when opportunities for Asian actors were limited in Hollywood. Her contribution to cinema has left an enduring mark on the industry and continues to inspire actors and filmmakers to this day.
Challenging Hollywood
Anna May Wong fearlessly criticized the film industry for consistently typecasting her in stereotypical roles. She openly voiced her frustration, proclaiming, “I was so tired of the parts I had to play.” Her boldness in addressing these issues became evident when, after relocating to Europe, she candidly confronted a reporter with a poignant question: “Why is it that the screen Chinese is nearly always the villain?” she asked. “And so crude a villain. Murderous, treacherous, a snake in the grass. We are not like that. How should we be, with a civilization that is so many times older than that of the west?” Anna's outspokenness challenged the prevailing stereotypes and laid the groundwork for greater diversity and representation in cinema.
Wong concluded her acting career in 1947 but made a remarkable comeback in later years. In 1951, she achieved another historic milestone by becoming the first Asian American to headline a television series, The Gallery of Madame Liu-Tsong. In this groundbreaking show, she took on the role of a gallery owner and detective, further solidifying her legacy in the entertainment industry. Notably, Wong harbored hopes of participating in the film Flower Drum Song (1961), but sadly, she passed away that year at the age of 55.
A Lasting Legacy
Anna May Wong's career spanned decades, and her legacy endures. She may have faced adversity and typecasting in Hollywood, but her determination to overcome these challenges made her a trailblazer. Her remarkable journey paved the way for future generations of Asian actors and left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. She was never forgotten from Hollywood and still has her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
"The Harder the work, the greater the satisfaction in accomplishing it."
The story of Anna May Wong is one of resilience and determination. She defied the norms of her time, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire those who aspire to break barriers. Her journey in Hollywood may have begun with limited opportunities, but it ultimately opened doors for others to follow. Anna was more than just a silent film star; she was a pioneer who proved that talent and tenacity could transcend prejudice and pave the way for change.
A Letter to:
To Anna May Wong,
Thank you for providing the world with your talent.
I find your story inspiring and fascinating and I emphasise with your struggles. I think Hollywood and fiilm still has a long way to go to get rid of sterotypes though. Thank you for being the first and breaking barriers for other women so we can enjoy each others talents.
Thank you,
Katie Brennan
