By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
Mattel has released a Barbie Inspiring Women doll based on Anna May Wong in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month.
Anna May Wong was a Chinese-American actress who made history as the first Asian-American actor to secure a lead role in a US television series. Throughout her career, Wong worked to break down stereotypes and typecasts for Asian actors in Hollywood.
“As the first Asian-American actor to lead a U.S. television show, whose perseverance broke down
barriers for her gender and AAPI community in film and TV, Anna May Wong is the perfect fit for our
Barbie Inspiring Women Series,” said Mattel EVP, Lisa McKnight. “We’re thrilled to share the journey of an incredible icon who was at the forefront of inclusive progress in Hollywood. In commemorating her legacy with an Inspiring Women doll in her honor, we are proud to continue to increase representation in the toy aisle.”
The Barbie brand worked closely with Anna May Wong’s niece, Anna Wong, to sculpt a doll that properly reflects her likeness and legacy.
“I’ve always been proud of my aunt’s impact on Hollywood and her strength to break down roadblocks in the way of her goals,” said Anna Wong. “She helped more Asian-American see themselves on screen, leading to other incredible feats for the AAPI community. The Barbie Anna May Wong Inspiring Women doll is an incredible tribute to my aunt that will share her legacy with even more people, and I can’t wait to see her doll on shelves.”The new Anna May Wong doll features the actress’ signature bangs and smoky eye shadow with a red gown featuring a metallic golden dragon design and a sheer cape. The dress is inspired by an outfit Wong wore in the 1934 film Limehouse Blues.
The Anna May Wong doll is the first Asian American doll featured in Barbie’s Inspiring Women series which initially debuted in 2018.
Barbie’s Inspiring Women doll line pays tribute to historical and present-day female role models such as Dr. Jane Goodall, Ida B. Wells, Frida Kahlo, Rosa Parks, Ella Fitzgerald, Dr. Maya Angelou, and more.
As part of the brand’s celebration of AAPI heritage month, Barbie and Mattel will be facilitating a twenty-five thousand dollar Barbie Dream Gap donation in Anna’s name to the non-profit organization, Asian American LEAD. Asian American LEAD supports low-income and underserved Asian Pacific American youth through educational empowerment, identity development, and leadership opportunities.
The licensed Anna Maya Wong Barbie doll is available for purchase at Amazon, Target, Walmart and Mattel Creations.