Jadin Wong

A number of top-notch Asian American performers would start their careers at Forbidden City, including the inimitable Jadin Wong. She was born in 1913 and began dancing at age five and ran away from home at 17 to pursue her dream. She began headlining as a dancer at the Forbidden City in 1938. Her brassy wit, showgirl glam, and sensational dancing would make her a national sensation, landing her a feature in Life magazine and inspire the role of Madame Liang in Flower Drum Song. Jadin performed for the troops during World War II; even jumping out of a plane going down in German territory and sneaking through the Black Forest to make her evening performance with Bob Hope for one performance. At the China Doll nightclub in New York City she was the first female Asian American performer in New York. She would eventually transition to comedy and Asian talent management. An unstoppable firecracker of a personality, Jadin Wong not only defied stereotypes to pave the way for Asian entertainers but actively dedicated the rest of her career to supporting emerging Asian talent until her passing in March 2010 at the age of 96.