Anna May Wong.Photo: U.S. Mint via Getty, Bettmann Archive/Getty
Anna May Wong, considered to be the first Chinese American film star in Hollywood, is getting her own quarter.
The late star’s quarter, which is set to begin shipping on Oct. 24, is the fifth coin in the United States MintAmerican Women Quarters™ Program, which honors trailblazing women.
Wong, whodied in 1961, got the first leading role of her career in the 1922 silent filmThe Toll of the Sea. The actress went on to make history in 1951 with her role inThe Gallery of Madame Liu-Tsong, becoming the first Asian American lead in a U.S. television show.
According toThe New York Times, the U.S. Mint is expected to create more than 300 million quarters, and in doing so, Wong will become the first Asian American to appear on U.S. currency.
U.S. Mint via Getty
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Wong’s career spanned into silent films, sound films, television and theater.
After dropping out of Los Angeles High School to pursue acting full-time in 1921, she earned her first screen credit inBits of Life.
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Wongwas continually offered small roles in filmsand was turned away from starring as a leading lady, causing her to move to Europe in 1928 in search of better roles.
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In 1960, the year before her death, Wong was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. When Lucy Liu became thesecond Asian American to receive a starin 2019, she thanked the late actress for helping pave the way.“She is remembered as an international film star, fashion icon, television trailblazer, and a champion for greater representation of Asian Americans in film,” the U.S. Mint wrote in their news release. “She continues to inspire actors and filmmakers today.”
source: people.com
