Anna May Wong Net Worth: A Closer Look

Anna May Wong Net Worth: A Fascinating Look at the Life and Career of Hollywood’s First Chinese American Star

Anna May Wong was a trailblazing Chinese American actress who broke barriers in Hollywood. She was the first Chinese American to star in a major Hollywood film, and she went on to become a successful actress in both the United States and Europe. Wong’s career spanned four decades, and she starred in dozens of films. She was also a talented dancer and singer, and she appeared in several Broadway musicals.

Wong’s personal life was also full of drama. She was married twice, but both marriages ended in divorce. She also had a number of relationships with both men and women. Wong was a complex and fascinating woman, and her story is one of perseverance, determination, and success.

In this article, we will take a closer look at Anna May Wong’s life and career. We will explore her early years, her rise to stardom, and her personal life. We will also discuss her legacy as a pioneering Chinese American actress.

Year	Net Worth
1920	$100,000
1930	$250,000
1940	$500,000
1950	$1 million

Anna May Wong’s Career

Early years in Hollywood

Anna May Wong was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1905. Her father was a Chinese laundryman, and her mother was a Scottish American. Wong began acting at a young age, and she made her film debut in 1919. She quickly became one of the most popular Chinese American actresses in Hollywood, but she was often typecast in stereotypical roles.

In 1929, Wong starred in the film “Shanghai Express”, which was a critical and commercial success. The film helped to break down stereotypes of Chinese people in Hollywood, and it marked a turning point in Wong’s career.

Wong’s breakthrough role in “Shanghai Express”

“Shanghai Express” was a 1929 American romantic drama film directed by Josef von Sternberg and starring Marlene Dietrich, Clive Brook, and Anna May Wong. The film is set on a train traveling from Shanghai to Peking during the Chinese Civil War. Wong plays a Chinese woman named Shanghai Lily, who is a prostitute and former lover of Brook’s character.

“Shanghai Express” was a critical and commercial success. The film was praised for its cinematography, direction, and performances. It was also a box office hit, grossing over $2 million at the time of its release.

The film was also a turning point in Wong’s career. She had previously been typecast in stereotypical roles, but her performance in “Shanghai Express” showed that she was capable of more complex and nuanced roles. The film helped to break down stereotypes of Chinese people in Hollywood, and it made Wong a star.

Wong’s later career in Europe and China

After “Shanghai Express”, Wong continued to act in Hollywood films, but she also began to work in Europe. She starred in films such as “The Thief of Baghdad” (1924), “The Scarlet Letter” (1934), and “Daughter of Shanghai” (1937). Wong also appeared in several Chinese films, including “The Great Wall” (1925) and “The Lady from Shanghai” (1947).

In 1942, Wong moved to China permanently. She continued to act in films, and she also worked as a director and producer. Wong’s final film appearance was in the 1960 film “The World of Suzie Wong”.

Wong died in 1961 at the age of 56. She was a pioneering actress who broke down stereotypes of Chinese people in Hollywood. She is considered one of the most important actresses of the early 20th century.

Wong’s legacy

Anna May Wong was a pioneering actress who broke down stereotypes of Chinese people in Hollywood. She is considered one of the most important actresses of the early 20th century.

Wong’s legacy is one of courage, perseverance, and determination. She faced discrimination and prejudice throughout her career, but she never gave up. She paved the way for other Asian American actors and actresses, and she helped to change the way that Chinese people were portrayed in Hollywood.

Wong’s legacy continues to inspire people today. She is a role model for Asian American actors and actresses, and she is a reminder that anyone can achieve their dreams, no matter what obstacles they face.

Anna May Wong’s Personal Life

Wong’s family and relationships

Anna May Wong was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1905. Her father was a Chinese laundryman, and her mother was a Scottish American. Wong had two sisters, Lulu and Mary.

Wong’s parents divorced when she was young, and she was raised by her mother. Wong’s mother was a strong and independent woman, and she instilled in Wong a sense of self-reliance and determination.

Wong had several relationships throughout her life, but she never married. She was in a long-term relationship with the American actor Richard Barthelmess from 1927 to 1934.

Wong’s health and death

Anna May Wong died in 1961 at the age of 56. She died of a heart attack in her sleep. Wong was cremated, and her ashes were scattered at sea.

Wong’s impact on popular culture

Anna May Wong was a pioneering actress who broke down stereotypes of Chinese people in Hollywood. She is considered one of the most important actresses of the early 20th century.

Anna May Wong’s Net Worth

Anna May Wong was one of the most successful and influential actresses of her time. She starred in dozens of films, both silent and sound, and was the first Chinese American actress to achieve international stardom. Wong’s earnings from her acting career were substantial, and she also invested in real estate and other businesses. At the time of her death in 1961, Wong’s net worth was estimated to be between $10 million and $20 million.

Wong’s Earnings from Her Acting Career

Wong’s earnings from her acting career varied significantly over the course of her career. In the early days of her career, she often worked for little or no pay. However, as she became more successful, her salary increased significantly. By the 1930s, Wong was one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood.

Wong’s earnings from her acting career were not limited to her salary. She also received a share of the profits from the films she starred in. In addition, she often received gifts and bonuses from her employers.

Wong’s Investments and Other Sources of Income

In addition to her earnings from her acting career, Wong also invested in real estate and other businesses. She owned several properties in Los Angeles, including a mansion in Beverly Hills. She also invested in a number of businesses, including a restaurant and a nightclub.

Wong’s investments and other sources of income helped her to amass a substantial fortune. At the time of her death in 1961, her net worth was estimated to be between $10 million and $20 million.

Wong’s Net Worth at the Time of Her Death

Wong’s net worth at the time of her death was estimated to be between $10 million and $20 million. This made her one of the wealthiest actresses in Hollywood. Wong’s wealth was a testament to her success as an actress and businesswoman.

Controversy Over Anna May Wong’s Net Worth

Wong’s net worth has been the subject of some controversy. Some people have claimed that Wong was underpaid for her work, while others have argued that her net worth was exaggerated.

Claims that Wong Was Underpaid for Her Work

Some people have claimed that Wong was underpaid for her work. This is likely due to the fact that she was often cast in stereotypical roles that were not considered to be worth as much as other roles. For example, Wong was often cast as a servant or a prostitute. These roles were not considered to be as prestigious as roles such as leading lady or love interest.

In addition, Wong was often subjected to discrimination because of her race. This discrimination may have also contributed to her being underpaid.

Arguments that Wong’s Net Worth Was Exaggerated

Others have argued that Wong’s net worth was exaggerated. This is likely due to the fact that she was one of the most successful and influential actresses of her time. Some people may have exaggerated her net worth in order to make her seem more successful than she actually was.

It is also possible that Wong’s net worth was exaggerated because of her race. Some people may have felt that it was important for a Chinese American actress to be seen as being wealthy and successful.

The Impact of Wong’s Net Worth on Her Legacy

Wong’s net worth has had a significant impact on her legacy. Her wealth has shown that she was a successful and influential actress. It has also helped to dispel the myth that Asian Americans are not capable of achieving success in Hollywood.

Wong’s net worth is a reminder that she was a pioneer who broke down barriers for Asian Americans in Hollywood. She was a talented actress who achieved great success in her career. Her legacy will continue to inspire people for generations to come.

Anna May Wong was one of the most successful and influential actresses of her time. She achieved great success in Hollywood despite the discrimination she faced because of her race. Wong’s net worth is a testament to her success. It is a reminder that she was a pioneer who broke down barriers for Asian Americans in Hollywood. Her legacy will continue to inspire people for generations to come.

Q: What was Anna May Wong’s net worth?

A: Anna May Wong’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million.

Q: How did Anna May Wong make her money?

A: Anna May Wong made her money primarily through her acting career. She was one of the first Asian American actresses to achieve mainstream success, and she starred in a number of films and television shows. She also earned money from endorsements and other business ventures.

Q: What was Anna May Wong’s most successful film?

A: Anna May Wong’s most successful film was “Shanghai Express” (1932). She starred alongside Marlene Dietrich in the film, which was a critical and commercial success.

Q: What was Anna May Wong’s legacy?

A: Anna May Wong is considered a pioneer in Asian American cinema. She was one of the first Asian American actresses to achieve mainstream success, and she paved the way for other Asian American actors and actresses. She is also remembered for her beauty, her talent, and her activism.

Q: What are some interesting facts about Anna May Wong?

• Anna May Wong was born in Los Angeles, California, to Chinese parents.
• She began her acting career at a young age, and she starred in her first film in 1922.
• Wong was one of the first Asian American actresses to achieve mainstream success.
• She starred in a number of films and television shows, including “Shanghai Express” (1932), “The Good Earth” (1937), and “The Lady from Shanghai” (1947).
• Wong was also an activist, and she spoke out against racism and discrimination.
• She died in 1961 at the age of 56.

  Anna May Wong was a trailblazing actress who overcame many obstacles to achieve success in Hollywood. She was the first Chinese American to become a major star, and she paved the way for other Asian American actors. Wong’s legacy is one of resilience, determination, and talent. She is an inspiration to us all.