Origins & Early Life

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 vaudeville, silent film, sound film, television, stage, and radio. 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).

Pivotal Works & Achievements

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. Frustrated by the stereotypical supporting roles she reluctantly played in Hollywood, Wong left for Europe in March 1928, where she starred in...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Adolph Menzel — Contemporary (Died in 1905) (1905): Pioneering German Realist master, celebrated for his detailed etchings and genre scenes.
• Aleksandr Popov (physicist) — Contemporary (Died in 1905) (1905): Pioneering Russian physicist credited with early radio receiving technology.
• Ayn Rand — Contemporary (Born in 1905) (1905): Philosopher and author known for developing the system of Objectivism.
• Aaron Sorkin — Contemporary (Born in 1961) (1961): Master of fast-paced dialogue, known for 'walk and talk' storytelling.
• Andrew Forrest — Contemporary (Born in 1961) (1961): Pioneering Australian mining magnate and philanthropist, founder of Fortescue.
• Andy Lau — Contemporary (Born in 1961) (1961): Iconic Hong Kong actor, singer, and producer with a four-decade global career.
• August Macke — Shared historical date (01-03 · Born) (1887): German Expressionist painter, key member of Der Blaue Reiter.
• Bennelong — Shared historical date (01-03 · Died) (1813): Eora man who served as a vital cultural bridge between Aboriginal Australians and the British.
• Alvar Aalto — Shared historical date (02-03 · Born) (1898): Pioneering Finnish architect whose total art approach defined modern Nordic design.
• Antonio José de Sucre — Shared historical date (02-03 · Born) (1795): Venezuelan general and politician, key leader in South America's struggle for independence.
• 1905 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1905
• January 3 (01-03) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on January 3
• 1961 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1961
• February 3 (02-03) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on February 3