Barbie's new Anna May Wong doll is a tribute to an Asian American icon

• Barbie announced a new Anna May Wong doll in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month.
• Wong fought to break stereotypical roles offered to Asian American actors in Hollywood.

Mattel is celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with its new Anna May Wong doll, paying tribute to the iconic actress who broke stereotypes in Hollywood.

Wong is widely regarded to be the first Chinese American film star in Hollywood. During the silent film era, she acted in one of the first films made in color, "The Toll of the Sea," and in Douglas Fairbanks' "The Thief of Bagdad." By 1924, she had become a fashion icon — known for her arched, pencil-thin brows, signature blunt brows, and flapper style — as well as an international star.

Frustrated by the stereotypical supporting roles offered to Asian American actors, Wong fought to expand representation in Hollywood. In 1935, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer refused to consider Wong for the leading role of O-Lan, a Chinese slave in the film adaptation of "The Good Earth." MGM instead cast Luise Rainer as the lead in yellowface.

But Wong persevered, and made history as the first Asian American actress to lead a US television show, "The Gallery of Madame Liu-Tsong," in 1951.

Wong also became the first Asian American featured on the US quarter.

Mattel worked with Wong's niece, Anna Wong, to design the doll, which is part of Mattel's ongoing efforts to make its line of dolls more inclusive.

"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," Anna Wong said in a statement. "She helped more Asian American[s] see themselves on screen, leading to other incredible feats for the AAPI community."

The doll wears a rich red gown embellished with a golden dragon and sheer cape, and features her trademark bangs and smoky eyeshadow. It's part of Barbie's "Inspiring Women" series, which pays tribute to historical and present-day role models like Madam C.J. Walker, Ida B. Wells, and Frida Kahlo.

As part of its celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, Barbie will be donating $25,000 to Asian American LEAD, a non-profit organization that supports low-income AAPI youth, in Wong's name.

"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," Lisa McKnight, executive vice president and global head of Barbie and Dolls at Mattel, said in a statement.