“As Hollywood’s first Chinese American movie star, Anna May Wong faced more challenges than most actresses of her era,” says Katie Gee Salisbury, the author of Anna May Wong’s biography Not Your China Doll. “In spite of the racism she experienced—studios balked at casting her in leading roles and often relegated her to China doll or dragon lady stereotypes—Wong persisted and even thrived, working in silent films, talkies, radio, theater, and television across four decades.”
As a result of her artistic achievements and philanthropic efforts, Anna May Wong became the first Asian American to be memorialized on American currency in 2022 when the U.S. Mint released quarters bearing her likeness as part of the American Women Quarters program. Below are 13 facts about her life, career and legacy.