A new exhibit at the Chinese American Museum in Los Angeles is paying tribute to the remarkable life and career of Anna May Wong, a trailblazing actress who challenged Hollywood conventions and paved the way for greater diversity on screen.
The exhibit, titled “Unmasking Anna May Wong,” opened on May 24th and will run through January 2025. It offers visitors a glimpse into the life of the first Asian American woman to become a movie star, featuring film posters, clips, photographs, gowns, and personal items like a mahjong set and family photos.
“We wanted to highlight her life and career,” said Katie Gee Salisbury, co-curator of the exhibit and author of a biography about Wong. “[Wong] was a trailblazer, an early pioneer in Hollywood. She was seen during a time when there was really almost no one else like her.”
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Wong’s career spanned over four decades, during which she starred in over 60 films, including silent movies, talkies, and television programs. She is remembered for her roles in films like “Shanghai Express” and “The Flame of Love.”
The exhibit comes at a time of rising success for Asian and Asian American actors in film and television, making it a fitting moment to celebrate Wong’s legacy. “2024 is the Year of the Dragon and Wong was born in the Year of the Dragon, so she is a dragon,” said Salisbury. “It’s perfect timing for people to get to know her.”
The Chinese American Museum is located in downtown Los Angeles and admission to the exhibit is free.
