In 'The World of Nancy Kwan,' the Asian superstar reflects on a decades-long career

10:57

April 22, 2025

Here & Now Newsroom

The cover of "The World of Nancy Kwan" and author Nancy Kwan. (Courtesy of Legacy Lit, an imprint of Grand Central Publishing and Robin L. Marshall/Getty Images)

Nancy Kwan was only 20 years old when she was picked for the lead in the 1960 film "The World of Suzie Wong." The film, as well as 1961's "Flower Drum Song," made her a Hollywood star, but in ensuing years, she contended with racism and personal tragedies, including the death of her son at the age of 32.

Host Robin Young speaks with Kwan about her new memoir, "The World of Nancy Kwan: A Memoir by Hollywood's Asian Superstar."

Book excerpt: 'The World of Nancy Kwan'

By Nancy Kwan with Deborah Davis

Adapted from "The World of Nancy Kawn: A Memoir by Hollywood’s Asian Superstar," published on April 22, 2025. Copyright © 2025 by Nancy Kwan. Used by arrangement with Grand Central Publishing, a division of Hachette Book Group. All rights reserved.

This segment aired on April 22, 2025.

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