Did you know that Anna May Wong was the first Chinese American film star? She lived from 1905 to 1961. Her given name was Wong Liu Tsong, but she used Anna May Wong as her professional name. Wong traveled the world living her dream of starring in movies.
As a child, Wong worked in her family’s business. She also attended school. Wong wanted to be an actress. She snuck onto movie sets to watch actors and actresses. When she was 14, she heard of a new movie being filmed. The director wanted Chinese American women as extras in the movie. Wong tried out for the part, and she got it!
Wong became a full-time actress in 1921. A year later, she got her first leading role in The Toll of the Sea. This movie was the first filmed in color! Wong was unable to get a leading role. She left to find work in Europe. Eventually she became a star in movies and plays. She learned German so she could perform in operas. In the 1930s, she got a message asking her to come back to Hollywood for a leading role!
Anna May Wong died in 1961. She achieved many firsts for Chinese American women. She is honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was even the first Asian American woman to be featured on a US quarter!
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