Hollywood trailblazer Anna May Wong to be first Asian American featured on U.S. currency
The actress — who was born in China and made her professional acting debut in the mid-1950s — was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom at President Bill Clinton’s White House ceremony in 2000.
She has played more than 30 roles in film and television, and is best known for her work in television show “The Golden Palace” (1978–1980) and film “Lover Boy” (1982). Wong was also honored with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994 and a National Medal of Arts in 1999.
The United States of America will soon honor one of the most influential and popular Asian American actors of the 20th century. Anna May Wong — the first Asian-American woman to have her image on U.S. currency — has won a $3 million purse and will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, but the biggest surprise may be the fact that her likeness will be featured on one of our $1 bills.
The actress — who was born in China and made her professional acting debut in the mid-1950s — was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom at President Bill Clinton’s White House ceremony in 2000. Since then, she has appeared in more than 30 roles in film and television, and is best known for her work in television show “The Golden Palace” (1978-80) and film “Lover Boy” (1982). The actress is also known for creating what is said to be the first all-Asian comedy sketch show on television — “She’s the Boss” — as the actress in the role of “Doe,” with fellow Asian American comedians like Dan Aykroyd, Andy Richter, and Steve O’Donnell. She also starred in the 1985 film, “Lovesick.”
Wong has an active public profile and is very active in her community and beyond, participating in community and charitable endeavors and serving as a role model for young Asian American women. She is a longtime supporter of the National Foundation for Colored People and the Asian Pacific American Legal Defense and Education Fund (
