Anna May Wong To Become The First Asian American On US Currency

Anna May Wong, a beloved late international movie star, fashion icon, and champion for Asian American representation in film, will become the first Asian American to appear on U.S. currency.

The heads side of the Anna May Wong quarter will depict George Washington, and the tails side will feature Anna May Wong with her head resting on her hand, surrounded by the bright lights of a marquee sign, according to the U.S. Mint.

Born on January 3, 1905, Wong was the first Chinese-American film star in Hollywood and went on to appear in more than 60 movies, including silent films and one of the first Technicolor movies, according to the U.S. Mint.

After facing discrimination in Hollywood, Wong traveled abroad and took on the European film industry, appearing in English, German, and French films, the U.S. Mint said.

Wong was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960 and died on February 3, 1961.

“I am thrilled by the news that Anna May Wong will appear on the U.S. quarter,” Congressman Ted W. Lieu said in part in a statement Tuesday. “I’m pleased she will be honored in this way and look forward to seeing the coin.”