Who Is Tyrus Wong? Age, Biography and Wiki
Tyrus Wong was born on October 25, 1910, in Guangdong, China. He passed away on December 30, 2016, at the age of 106. Wong is best remembered for his breathtaking contributions to the animation industry, particularly his influential role as a concept artist at Disney during the creation of classics such as Bambi. Despite facing significant challenges as an immigrant, Wong's artistry left a lasting mark on American culture and cinema.
| Occupation | Illustrator |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 25, 1910 |
| Age | 106 Years |
| Birth Place | Taishan, Qing Dynasty |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 30 December, 2016 |
| Died Place | Sunland-Tujunga, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Tyrus Wong's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Though exact measurements from Tyrus Wong are not extensively documented, he was known for his artistic presence rather than physical prowess. As an artist, his height and weight were not defining factors; instead, his creative spirit and talent were paramount.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Tyrus Wong maintained a low profile regarding his personal relationships. He was married to actress Ruthie Tom, and the couple had a family together. Wong's commitment to his art extended to his family, whom he treasured deeply. He often mentioned the importance of his family in his career and life, highlighting the support he received throughout his journey.
On December 30, 1919, Wong and his father boarded the ship S.S. China and sailed to California, U.S. In 1920, when he was nine years old, Wong and his father immigrated to the United States, and never again came into contact with his mother and sister. Wong was initially held at the Angel Island Immigration Station due to the Chinese Exclusion Act.
There he was separated from his father while he waited to be questioned about his identity. Because most Chinese immigration was prohibited under the Chinese Exclusion Act, Wong and his father had to immigrate illegally under assumed identities as "paper sons" of Chinese American sponsors. Wong's paper son name was Look Tai Yow.
He did not gain American citizenship until 1946, after the repeal of the Exclusion Act. After a month, Wong was released from Angel Island. Wong and his father initially relocated to Sacramento. Wong and his father later moved the family to Los Angeles.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Tyrus Wong’s net worth was estimated to be in the range of several million dollars. His earnings came not only from his work at Disney but also from various exhibitions, commissions, and recognition he received later in life as his contributions to art were celebrated. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of artists.
Career, Business and Investments
Tyrus Wong’s career spanned several decades and multiple disciplines, including painting, illustration, and even kite design. After his noteworthy stint at Disney, where he contributed to the backdrop artistry of Bambi, Wong continued to create art that blended traditional Chinese techniques with modern sensibilities. He later transitioned into fine art and exhibited his pieces widely, earning acclaim for his unique style. In his later years, Wong invested in preserving his artistic legacy, an effort that included collaborations with various institutions and documentary features.
Wong retired from the film industry in the late 1960s but continued his work as an artist, spending most of his time designing kites. He also continued to paint, sketch, and design ceramics well into his 90s. He was the subject of a 2015 documentary film, Tyrus, by filmmaker Pamela Tom (譚宇瓊). Wong died on December 30, 2016, at the age of 106.
Social Network
Tyrus Wong’s contributions have been recognized across numerous platforms. His work has been documented in various exhibitions, including retrospectives that celebrate Asian American artists. While he did not engage heavily on social media during his lifetime, his work is represented across platforms and increasingly shared by new generations who have embraced his artistic legacy.
Education
Wong's educational journey was pivotal in shaping his artistic voice. He studied at the Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles, which honed his skills and helped him to adapt Western styles while retaining his cultural heritage. Despite facing initial setbacks in his career due to discrimination, Wong’s perseverance and dedication to his craft helped him establish a notable place in American art history.
His work was also included in the Round the Clock: Chinese American Artists Working in Los Angeles exhibit at the East Los Angeles College Vincent Price Art Museum, January–May 2012.
