Who Is Anna May Wong? Age, Biography and Wiki
Anna May Wong was born on January 3, 1905, making her 120 years old in 2025. She was a groundbreaking American actress and is often remembered as the first Chinese American movie star in Hollywood. Wong's career spanned silent films to talkies, and she was known for her dynamic performances in a wide range of genres, showcasing both her talent and the struggles of representing Asian-Americans in a predominantly white film industry. From her early beginnings in films to achieving international fame, Wong paved the way for future generations of actors.
| Occupation | Stage Actress |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 3, 1905 |
| Age | 56 Years |
| Birth Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 3 February, 1961 |
| Died Place | Santa Monica, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Anna May Wong's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Anna May Wong stood at approximately 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm) tall. Throughout her career, she maintained a slender and elegant appearance, typical of the leading ladies of her time. Her weight fluctuated around 110 pounds (50 kg), and her vital statistics were often noted in the circle of her contemporaries—her unique features contributed significantly to her on-screen presence.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Despite her fame, Anna May Wong was known for keeping her personal life relatively private. Throughout her life, she was romantically linked to several prominent figures, including actor and singer Paul Robeson, and even had rumored relationships with various men in Hollywood. However, she remained single for most of her life, focusing on her career and the challenges faced by Asian actresses in a predominantly white industry. Wong had a close-knit relationship with her family, including her parents and siblings, who supported her ambition.
Born in Los Angeles to second-generation Taishanese Chinese American parents, Wong became engrossed in films and decided at the age of 11 that she would become an actress. Her first role was as an extra in the movie The Red Lantern (1919).
During the silent film era, she acted in The Toll of the Sea (1922), one of the first films made in color, and in Douglas Fairbanks' The Thief of Bagdad (1924). Wong became a fashion icon and had achieved international stardom in 1924. Wong had been one of the first to embrace the flapper look.
In 1934, the Mayfair Mannequin Society of New York voted her the "world's best dressed woman." In the 1920s and 1930s, Wong was acclaimed as one of the top fashion icons.
Net Worth and Salary
By the time of her passing in 1961, Anna May Wong had solidified her status as a Hollywood icon. While exact figures are difficult to ascertain given the era, Wong's net worth at the time was estimated to be modest, particularly compared to contemporary stars in today’s industry. In 2025, it is acknowledged that her legacy has contributed to growing interest in her works, with numerous retrospectives and film festivals dedicated to her contributions to cinema. This renewed interest has led to increased value in merchandise and collectibles related to her career.
In 1942, Wong starred in Bombs over Burma and Lady from Chungking, both anti-Japanese propaganda made by the poverty row studio Producers Releasing Corporation. She donated her salary for both films to United China Relief.
The Lady from Chungking differed from the usual Hollywood war film in that the Chinese were portrayed as heroes rather than as victims rescued by Americans.
Even after American characters are captured by the Japanese, the primary goal of the heroes is not to free the Americans, but to prevent the Japanese from entering the city of Chongqing (Chungking).
Also, in an interesting twist, the Chinese characters are portrayed by Chinese-American actors, while the Japanese villains—normally played by Chinese-American actors—are acted by European Americans. The film ends with Wong making a speech for the birth of a "new China".
The Hollywood Reporter and Variety both gave Wong's performance in The Lady from Chungking positive reviews but commented negatively on the film's plot.
Career, Business and Investments
Anna May Wong's illustrious career began in the silent film era, and she quickly rose to prominence. Some of her notable films include The Toll of the Sea (1922), Piccadilly (1929), and Shanghai Express (1932). Wong not only broke racial barriers in Hollywood but also made significant cultural impacts by highlighting Asian representation in film. In terms of business ventures, she explored fashion design and even attempted to venture into the realm of television. Wong's career spanned several decades, illustrating her adaptability and resilience as an artist.
Wong Liu Tsong (January 3, 1905 – February 3, 1961), known professionally as Anna May Wong, was an American actress, considered the first Chinese American film star in Hollywood, as well as the first Chinese American actress to gain international recognition. Her varied career spanned silent film, sound film, television, stage, and radio.
Social Network
Although Wong did not have social media in the traditional sense, she was a prominent figure among the Hollywood elite and had connections with various social clubs and organizations aimed at advocating for Asian-American rights. In 2025, her legacy continues to be celebrated across platforms honoring her contributions to cinema, and fan pages and social media groups dedicated to her memory thrive.
At the age of 17, Wong played her first leading role, in the early Metro two-color Technicolor movie The Toll of the Sea. Written by Frances Marion, the story was based loosely on Madama Butterfly. Variety magazine singled Wong out for praise, noting her "extraordinarily fine" acting.
The New York Times commented, "Miss Wong stirs in the spectator all the sympathy her part calls for and she never repels one by an excess of theatrical 'feeling'. She has a difficult role, a role that is botched nine times out of ten, but hers is the tenth performance.
Completely unconscious of the camera, with a fine sense of proportion and remarkable pantomimic accuracy ... She should be seen again and often on the screen."
Education
Anna May Wong attended the prestigious Hollywood School for Girls. Her formative education lay a solid foundation for her burgeoning career in entertainment. Early exposure to acting and performing arts contributed significantly to her later success in the film industry.
In 1910, the family moved to a neighborhood on Figueroa Street where they were the only Chinese people on their block, living alongside mostly Mexican and Eastern European families. The two hills separating their new home from Chinatown helped Wong to assimilate into American culture.
She attended public school with her older sister at first, but then when the girls became the target of racial taunts from other students, they moved to a Presbyterian Chinese school. Classes were taught in English, but Wong attended a Chinese-language school afternoons and on Saturdays.
