Person file · Acting
Nancy Kwan
Born 1939-05-19Hong Kong, British Crown Colony [now China]
Nancy Kwan Ka-shen (Cantonese: 關家蒨; born May 19, 1939) is a Hong Kong-born American actress, author, and philanthropist. She meteorically rose to fame by starring in the Hollywood films The World of Suzie Wong (1960) and Flower Drum Song (1961), which were among the first to cast Asian actors in major roles. Her dazzling 'oriental' style and signature bob cut became iconic and cemented her status as an exotic sex symbol. Later in life, Kwan became involved in philanthropy for AIDS awareness. In 1997, she published a book about her son who died from the disease and donated its profits to support the promotion of AIDS awareness.
Screen work
Movies & roles
Bruce Lee: A Life in Ten PicturesRoleBe WaterSelf - Actress / FriendWindow Horses: The Poetic Persian Epiphany of Rosie MingGloria (voice)Paint It BlackMargaretTo Whom It May Concern: Ka Shen's JourneyHerselfYou Don't Know Jack: The Jack Soo StorySelfMr. Yunioshi: An Asian PerspectiveSelf (archive footage)Hollywood ChineseSelfAnna May Wong - Frosted Yellow Willows: Her Life, Times and LegendNarratorRay of SunshineLillyMurder on the Yellow Brick RoadNatalie ChungThe Unbeatable Bruce LeeRoleMr. P's Dancing Sushi BarMitsuko McFeeFor Life or DeathLing LiEncyclopedia of Martial Arts: Hollywood CelebritiesSelfRebelliousJoniDragon: The Bruce Lee StoryGussie YangBabiesDr. LiuCold Dog SoupMadame ChangMiracle LandingC.B. LansingSally's Beauty SpotSuzie Wong (archive footage)Night ChildrenDiane MartinSlaying the DragonRoleKeys to FreedomDr. Lao