Barbie By releasing its new Anna May Wong doll during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Mattel is honouring the legendary actress who defied Hollywood norms.
According to popular opinion, Wong was the first Chinese American movie star in Hollywood. She performed in “The Toll of the Sea,” one of the earliest colour pictures created during the silent period, as well as Douglas Fairbanks’ “The Thief of Bagdad.” She was a global sensation and a fashion icon by 1924, famous for her blunt brows, arched, pencil-thin brows, and flapper style.
Wong worked to increase diversity in Hollywood because she was fed up with Asian American performers being cast in stereotyped supporting parts. Wong was rejected by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 1935 for the major part of O-Lan, a Chinese slave in the movie adaption of “The Good Earth.” Luise Rainer was chosen by MGM to play the lead in yellowface.
Anna May Wong Barbie
Wong persisted though, and in 1951 she became the first Asian American actress to star in a US television programme, “The Gallery of Madame Liu-Tsong,” making history.
Wong also made history by becoming the first Asian American to appear on a US quarter.
As part of its continuous attempts to diversify its doll line, Mattel collaborated with Wong’s niece, Anna Wong, on the creation of the doll.
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In a statement, Anna Wong said, “I’ve always been proud of my aunt’s influence on Hollywood and her ability to overcome obstacles in her path to her objectives. She enabled more Asian Americans to identify with themselves on television, which paved the way for other amazing achievements for the AAPI community.
The doll sports her signature fringe and smokey makeup and is dressed in a gorgeous crimson gown with a golden dragon and sheer cloak. It is a piece of the “Inspiring Women” line of Barbie dolls, which honours historical and contemporary female role models such Madam C.J. Walker, Ida B. Wells, and Frida Kahlo.
Barbie will provide $25,000 to Asian American LEAD, a nonprofit that aids low-income AAPI students, in Wong’s honour as part of its commemoration of AAPI Heritage Month.
We’re excited to chronicle the story of a legendary figure who blazed the way for inclusive advancement in Hollywood. We are happy to continue to boost inclusion in the toy aisle by honouring her legacy with an Inspiring Women doll, Lisa McKnight, executive vice president and global head of Barbie and Dolls at Mattel, said in a statement.