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Life Story: Anna May Wong (1905–1961)

The First Asian American Movie Star

The story of a Chinese American woman who achieved international fame as a film actor despite racism and stereotyping.

Content Warning: This life story contains a racial slur.

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Life Story: Anna May Wong, 1905–1961

Content Warning: This life story contains a racial slur.

A 1928, black and white, full body portrait photograph of an Asian American female with a cloche hat and a cravat on a white shirt, under a dark, culotte skirt suit.
Anna May Wong

Anna May Wong, 1928. Everett Collection

A 1928 photograph of an Asian American female with bobbed hair, wearing a bright yellow ensemble with a green vine and red floral motif and matching yellow slippers, sitting on a maroon and light blue cushion.
Chinatown Charlie

Chinatown Charlie, Anna May Wong, 1928. Everett Collection

A black and white, head-and-shoulders photograph of a young Asian American female set upon the certified and embossed seal imprint of a 1924, typed, pink identification card for Anna May Wong, an actress from Los Angeles, California.
Anna May Wong Identification Card

Anna May Wong Identification Card, August 1924. National Archives and Records Administration, San Francisco.