Google Doodle celebrates trailblazing Asian American actress Anna May Wong

The artist behind Wong's Google doodle, Sophie Diao, said that she wished she had been aware of Wong as a child, as there hadn't been much Asian American representation in Hollywood.

Anna May Wong

Actress Anna May Wong has been honoured with a Google doodle. Source: Getty Images

If you've done a Google search today, you would've seen several illustrations of an Asian-American actress. She might not have the familiarity of other 1920s actresses, but plenty of people are happy that she's getting some recognition.

That's because today's 'Google doodle' celebrates the legacy of Anna May Wong, considered by many to be the first Asian American movie star. Not only that, but the illustrations come at a time when Hollywood faces renewed pressure to address racism in the movie industry.

The artworks depict Wong in her first lead role, on the film The Toll of the Sea, which is currently celebrating 97 years since release in 1922.
The artist behind Wong's Google illustrations, Sophie Diao, said that she wished she had been aware of Wong as a child, as there hadn't been much Asian American representation in movies or on TV. 

"Asian American actors are underrepresented even now, so amazingly Anna May Wong was so active right at the beginning of film history, bridging the gap between silent films and talkies," Diao said, according to CNN.

International award shows have been criticised for under-representing Asian American actors in he past. Last year, Crazy Rich Asians actress Constance Wu became only the fourth woman of Asian descent be nominated for best performance by an actress in a musical or comedy motion picture for the Golden Globes.

This year, some film-buffs expressed frustration online after the stars of break-out South Korean film Parasite were snubbed for the major acting categories.

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By Samuel Leighton-Dore

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