Anna May Wong

Anna May Wong was Hollywood's first Chinese American movie star. She grew up in Chinatown during the time of the Chinese Exclusion Act with a fascination for movies. She got her first role as an extra at 14 in Red Lantern. By 17, she landed her first starring role in The Toll of the Sea to critical acclaim.

She quickly grew frustrated with racism in Hollywood. She was almost always relegated to supporting roles due to anti-miscegenation laws. She couldn't be a leading lady because she couldn't kiss the white leading actor on screen. And movie studios loved to cast white actresses playing Asian roles in yellowface.

In 1924, she attempted to start her own production company to make films based on Chinese stories. But the company ended in a lawsuit due to her business partner's shady dealings.

At the end of the silent movie era, she became fed up with being typecast. She moved to Europe and acted in productions in Germany, France, and England in their native languages.

Paramount Pictures lured her back to Hollywood in 1930 with the promise of lead roles. She did star in some films but was back to playing Asian stereotypes. It was at this time that she began speaking out in support of China and challenging Hollywood's racism.