Barbara Jean Wong (March 3, 1924 – November 13, 1999) was a Chinese American actress, known for her role as Arabella on the hugely popular radio comedy, Amos 'n' Andy.
She acted in numerous films before retiring from the industry and becoming an elementary school teacher.
Early life and career
Wong was a fourth-generation Chinese American born in Los Angeles, California, to produce market owners Thomas and Maye Wong. She attended the Fanchon and Marco School of the Theater.[1]
She began her performance career at the age of five,[2] as she could read and had a clear voice, and was soon dubbed the Chinese American Shirley Temple because of her long black hair curled into ringlets and her charming persona.
As a youngster, Wong was also a dancer, performing at events such as a fashion show for charity in 1932[3] and a Hollywood Women's Club costume party in 1935.[4]
Wong appeared in films as early as 1934, when she had "a featured bit" in The Painted Veil.[5] In 1937, as a voice actress, she began performing in programs for CBS. She played Judy Barton, one of the twins in the children's Christmas old time radio show The Cinnamon Bear.[6] She was heard on several episodes of the Lux Radio Theatre, Hallmark Playhouse, Hallmark Hall of Fame, Cavalcade of America, Three Thirds of a Nation,[7] and many other shows.
Her biggest radio role was on the comedy show Amos 'n' Andy, in which she played Amos' daughter Arbadella.[8] In October 1938, she began portraying the detective's oldest daughter in a new Charlie Chan radio series.[9] She also played P.Y., a Chinese character, in I Love a Mystery on radio.[10]
After Wong married, she retired from acting and earned her teaching credentials from California State, Los Angeles. For 23 years, she taught elementary school before retiring in 1992.[16] She was active on the boards of multiple Los Angeles organizations, including the El Pueblo Historical Monument and the Friends of the Chinese American Museum.[17]
Personal life
Wong was married to Robert Wah Lee, who died in 1988. They had four children.[18]
Death
Wong died of respiratory illness on November 13, 1999, in Tarzana, California, aged 75.[2]
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