Representation in play with Barbie’s new Anna May Wong doll, a tribute to an Asian American icon in Hollywood
- As part of its ‘Inspiring Women’ series, Mattel has announced the new doll in celebration of Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
- Wong is widely regarded to be the first Chinese-American film star in Hollywood and she is known for fighting to break stereotypes
The Anna May Wong Barbie doll is dressed in a frock inspired by Wong’s appearance in the 1934 film Limehouse Blues. Photo: MattelMattel is celebrating Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with its new Anna May Wong doll, paying tribute to the iconic actress who broke stereotypes in Hollywood.
Wong is widely regarded to be the first Chinese-American film star in Hollywood. During the silent film era, she acted in one of the first films made in colour, The Toll of the Sea, and in Douglas Fairbanks’ The Thief of Bagdad. By 1924, she had become a fashion icon – known for her pencil-thin brows, signature blunt fringe and flapper style – as well as an international star.
Frustrated by the stereotypical supporting roles offered to Asian-American actors, Wong fought to expand representation in Hollywood.
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In 1935, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer refused to consider Wong for the leading role of O-Lan, a Chinese slave in the film adaptation of The Good Earth. MGM instead cast Luise Rainer as the lead in yellowface – the practice of wearing make-up to imitate the appearance of an East Asian person was common in the past, though it is now considered offensive.
But Wong persevered and made history as the first Asian-American actress to lead a US television show, The Gallery of Madame Liu-Tsong, in 1951.
Wong also became the first Asian-American to be featured on the US quarter.
Mattel worked with Wong’s niece, Anna Wong, to design the doll. This is part of the toy company’s ongoing efforts to make its line of dolls more inclusive.
“I’ve always been proud of my aunt’s impact on Hollywood and her strength to break down roadblocks in the way of her goals,” Anna Wong said in a statement. “She helped more Asian-American[s] see themselves on screen, leading to other incredible feats for the AAPI community.”
The doll wears a rich red gown embellished with a golden dragon and sheer cape, and features the actor’s trademark fringe and smoky eyeshadow. It’s part of Barbie’s “Inspiring Women” series, which pays tribute to historical and present-day role models like Madam CJ Walker, Ida B Wells and Frida Kahlo.
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As part of its celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, Barbie will be donating US$25,000 in Wong’s name to Asian American LEAD, a non-profit organisation that supports low-income AAPI youth.
“We’re thrilled to share the journey of an incredible icon who was at the forefront of inclusive progress in Hollywood. In commemorating her legacy with an Inspiring Women doll in her honour, we are proud to continue to increase representation in the toy aisle,” Lisa McKnight, executive vice-president and global head of Barbie and Dolls at Mattel, said in a statement.