In the alternate history presented on Netflix’s Hollywood, a few versions of real Golden Age stars show up, including Anna May Wong (played by Michelle Krusiec). Wong, born Wong Liu Tsong, was a glamorous screen queen and became widely acknowledged as the first Chinese-American actor to achieve real movie stardom.
In real life, her career saw her become a fashion icon but also get pigeonholed into stereotypical roles. She did, however, break a lot of new ground in the movie business, even starring on the first Asian-led American TV series in the 1950s. She might not be as much of a household name as some of her contemporaries, but she’s every bit the leading lady who deserves to be remembered.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up some of her most glamorous and memorable pictures from her years on screen – keep reading to see how the real Anna May Wong compares to her fictional version!
Everett Collection / Courtesy Everett Collection
Anna May Wong in The Honorable Mr. Buggs (1927)
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Anna May Wong in Bombs Over Burma (1942)
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Anna May Wong in Chinatown Charlie (1928)
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Anna May Wong in Daughter of Shanghai (1937)
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Anna May Wong in Daughter of Shanghai (1937)
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Anna May Wong in Limehouse Blues (1934)
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Anna May Wong in Daughter of the Dragon (1931)
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Anna May Wong in Tiger Bay (1934)
Everett Collection / Courtesy Everett Collection
Everett Collection / Courtesy Everett Collection
Anna May Wong in the 1930s
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Anna May Wong in A Study in Scarlet (1933)
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Anna May Wong in Chinatown Charlie (1928)
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Anna May Wong in Daughter of the Dragon (1931)
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Anna May Wong in Java Head (1934)
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Anna May Wong in Bits of Life (1921)
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Anna May Wong in Limehouse Blues (1934)
Everett Collection / Courtesy Everett Collection
Anna May Wong in Limehouse Blues (1934)
Everett Collection / Courtesy Everett Collection
Anna May Wong in A Study in Scarlet (1933)
Everett Collection / Courtesy Everett Collection
Anna May Wong in Daughter of the Dragon (1931)
