The World of Nancy Kwan: A Memoir by Hollywood’s Asian Superstar

A Hollywood icon and Asian superstar shares the inspiring story of her groundbreaking career.

When Nancy Kwan burst onto the scene in the early 1960s, Asian characters in film were portrayed by white actors in makeup playing “yellowface,” and those minor roles were the stuff of cliché: shopkeepers, maids, prostitutes, servants. When—against all odds—Nancy landed the lead role in the much-anticipated 1960 film The World of Suzie Wong, she became an international superstar and was celebrated for her beauty, grace, authenticity, and spunk: a “Chinese Garbo,” the “Asian Bardot.”

From Hong Kong to London, Hollywood and beyond, The World of Nancy Kwan charts Nancy’s journey. What obstacles did she face, what prejudices did she overcome, and how did her success create paths for others? Never allowing the fads and fickleness of show business to change her, Kwan persevered in an industry where everything was stacked against her, breaking through barriers and becoming a beacon of hope to generations of Asians who aspired to be seen.

The World of Nancy Kwan is a multifaceted personal history of an iconic actress whose triumphant rise and resilience illuminates the broader history of Hollywood and how the only way forward is to stay true to oneself.

About the Author

Nancy Kwan is a Chinese-American actress renowned for her unforgettable starring roles in The World of Suzie Wong and the musical Flower Drum Song. She is also a filmmaker and a political activist and was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Asian Hall of Fame.

Deborah Davis has written twelve books, including Tina Turner’s bestselling memoir, My Love Story, Strapless, Party of the Century, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and Guest of Honor, which won the Phillis Wheatly Award and was nominated for an NAACP Image Award.