Barbie manufacturer Mattel has dedicated a new doll to the silent film icon Anna May Wong (1905-1961). “Anna May Wong’s courage and perseverance enabled generations of Asian-Americans to see themselves on screen beyond stereotypes and role models,” the US toymaker wrote on Instagram. The new Barbie doll wears Wong’s iconic cropped bangs and a long red dress with gold dragon embroidery.
Wong, who starred in more than 60 films, including “Shanghai Express” (1932) alongside Marlene Dietrich, is considered the first Chinese-American film star, Mattel emphasized. The new Barbie is part of the “Barbie Inspiring Women” series, which honored civil rights activist Rosa Parks (1913-2005) and former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962).
