Anna May Wong

Movie star fought to be viewed beyond stereotypes in Hollywood

Anna May Wong (1905–1961) was the first Chinese American actress to become a major box-office attraction. When World War II broke out, she put her film career on hold and worked from the United States on Chinese war relief. While some Chinese Americans of the time reprimanded her for playing to stereotypes, many people today see her as a pioneer who succeeded in a hostile industry.

Anna May Wong

Object Details

Date
1937
Artist
Nickolas Muray, 15 Feb 1892 - 2 Nov 1965
Sitter
Anna May Wong, 3 Jan 1905 - 3 Feb 1961
Topic
Costume\Jewelry\Earring
Costume\Dress Accessory\Fan
Anna May Wong: Female
Anna May Wong: Arts & Culture\Performing Arts\Performer\Actor\Movie actor
Portrait
See more items in
National Portrait Gallery Collection
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution
Data Source
National Portrait Gallery
Object number
NPG.99.45
Type
Photograph
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Copyright
© Nickolas Muray Photo Archives
Medium
Carbro print
Dimensions
Image: 39 × 31.1 cm (15 3/8 × 12 1/4")
Sheet: 43.9 × 34.6 cm (17 5/16 × 13 5/8")
Mount: 50.6 × 38.2 cm (19 15/16 × 15 1/16")
Mat: 71.1 × 55.9 cm (28 × 22")
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/sm4efab9cea-8650-4489-89e0-9c5e3d5a252a
Record ID
npg_NPG.99.45