Anna May Wong, who became a Hollywood star during the silent film era, will become the first Asian American to appear on US currency. Interestingly, this happens one century after the beauty with the pencil thin eyebrows and trademark blunt bangs starred in her first leading role in The Toll of the Sea.

In 1951, Ms. Wong made history again with her TV show The Gallery of Madame Liu-Tsong, the first-ever US television show starring an Asian-American series lead.

Wong’s image will be featured on the back of new quarters to be released Monday, October 24th. The design is the fifth to appear in the American Women’s Program. Coins from this program are designed to highlight extraordinary women whose contributions are iconic in the history of American culture. She’ll join Maya Angelou, Dr. Sally Ride and Eleanor Roosevelt.

If you’re interested in learning more about Anna May Wong, Graham Russell Gao Hodges book, Anna May Wong: From Laundryman’s Daughter to Hollywood Legend, coming out January 10, 2023, is currently available for preorder on Books-A-Million.