FOLLOW US

Mattel, the world's largest toy manufacturer, has released a new Barbie doll honoring Asian American actress Anna May Wong. the doll’s release honors Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. 

Wong is considered the first major Asian American movie star and broke barriers for her gender and the AAPI community in film and TV. Wong's niece, Anna Wong, worked closely with the brand to develop the doll's look, ensuring that they accurately captured her facial features and stylish clothes.

The Anna May Wong Barbie is part of the Barbie Inspiring Women series. It features dolls in the likeness of pioneering women such as aviator Amelia Earhart and artist Frida Kahlo.

 The Wong doll is dressed in a red gown with a shiny golden dragon design and cape. Her appearance was inspired by her character in the 1934 movie Limehouse Blues. The doll also sports Wong's trademark bangs, eyebrows, and long well-manicured nails.

Anna May Wong-Trailblazer

Born in Los Angeles, Wong Liu Tsong (January 3, 1905 – February 3, 1961), was known professionally as Anna May Wong. She was the first Chinese American film star in Hollywood.

Wong started out during the silent movie era in the 1920s. She quickly gained international notice in classic films like The Thief of Bagdad and The Toll of the Sea.

 She was also admired for her elegance and fashion sense. Wong introduced the “flapper” style to celebrities in Hollywood and New York. In 1934, New York’s Mayfair Mannequin Society voted her the "world's best-dressed woman."

In the 1930s, she acted opposite big stars like Marlene Dietrich in Shanghai Express. 

But in 1937, she lost the pivotal role of O-Lan in The Good Earth. The film's lead role  was Chinese, but it was given to Luise Rainer, a white actress.  

Wong was discouraged that she wasn’t considered for the role. And Rainer won a Best Actress Oscar.

For many years she worked mainly in Europe in films and on stage. But she eventually returned to the United States. 

In 1951, she had her own television show. “The Gallery of Madame Liu-Tsong” was believed to be the first TV series with an Asian American lead. 

In 1960, in another first, she was the first Asian American woman to get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

 She died a year later at age 56.

Mattel embraces diversity.

Mattel's release of the Anna May Wong Barbie comes just weeks after the toy manufacturer unveiled its first-ever Barbie doll with Down syndrome. The company worked with the National Down Syndrome Society, in the US, to design the doll to better represent women living with the condition.

Mattel's decision to release a Barbie doll honoring Anna May Wong and a Barbie doll with Down syndrome is a positive step towards inclusivity and diversity. Both dolls are intended to serve as role models for children and inspire them to break down barriers and achieve their dreams.