Anna May Wong captivated audiences all over the world in the 1920s and ‘30s, appearing in more than 60 films, becoming the first Chinese American movie star. Wong also appeared on stage and on television.
In its latest exhibition, “Unmasking Anna May Wong,” the Chinese American Museum pays tribute to the life and legend of the groundbreaking actor who battled stereotyping and prejudice to lead the way for future Asian Americans in pursuit of the Hollywood dream. The exhibition is open to the public free of charge and continues through Jan. 25, 2025.
On display are artifacts and memorabilia on loan from Wong’s descendant and namesake, niece Anna Wong. A necklace and bracelets worn in the film “Dangerous to Know,” loaned by Paramount Studios, are among the artifacts. Also on display are photos, rarely seen video clips, original lobby cards, posters, costumes, and a mural.
Co-curators are Katie Gee Salisbury, author of “Not Your China Doll: The Wild and Shimmering Life of Anna May Wong,” and museum staff.
Born Wong Liu Tsong in Los Angeles in 1905, she was the daughter of second-generation Taishanese Chinese Americans. Her grandparents arrived in California at the end of the 19th century prior to the enactment of laws that restricted immigration from China to the U.S.
Wong starred in her first film in 1922 and, by 1924, had become an international star and fashion icon. Her career spanned silent films, sound films, television, stage, and radio. In 1934, she was hailed as the “world’s best-dressed woman.”
Disillusioned by the stereotypical supporting roles offered, Wong started a production company at the age of 19 to focus on Chinese stories and culture. In 1928 she left for Europe, where she starred in several notable plays and films, and she spent the first half of the 1930s traveling between the U.S. and Europe for film and stage work.
In 1935, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer refused to consider Wong for the leading role of the Chinese character in the film version of Pearl S. Buck’s “The Good Earth” and instead cast Luise Rainer to play the leading role in yellowface. Rainier went on to win the Academy Award for the role.
Yellowface was commonplace in Hollywood for decades. “Daughter of the Dragon” (1931), which starred Wong and Sessue Hayakawa, also featured Warner Oland as Dr. Fu Manchu. Oland also played detective Charlie Chan in 16 films.
“As an institution dedicated to maintaining a nurturing environment for exploration, education, and public service, we are privileged to be able to host this unique collection and bring to light the lessons it holds for us today,” stated Michael Truong, CAM executive director.
CAM is located at 425 N. Los Angeles St., part of the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument. For more information, call (213) 485-8567 or visit camla.org.