Olive Young was an American actress who is best known for Resia Boroboedoer (1928), Kule Yuanyang (1926), and Langnu Qiongtu (1927). She became a significant star in China during the late 1920s, recognized under her Chinese name.
Personal and Family Life
Olive Young was born on June 21, 1903, in St. Joseph, Missouri, USA. She was married to Dr. Alfred Lum. Young gained fame as a film actress, especially in the silent film era, gaining a following in China where she was often referred to as the “Chinese Mary Pickford.” This title exemplifies her influence and popularity among aspiring Chinese actresses of her time.
Career
During her career, Olive Young acted in several films and was noted for her roles in silent movies. She appeared in nine films in China, and her portrayal of a flapper resonated with many young women, who saw her as a role model. Her background remained vague due to studio publicity, and her American origins were only revealed after her time in China.
Death and Legacy
Olive Young passed away on October 4, 1940, in Bayonne, New Jersey, USA, due to internal hemorrhages. Her legacy is remembered for her contributions to film and her significant impact on the Chinese film industry during the late 1920s. Many still recognize her influence, as she helped bridge Eastern and Western cinema.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1932 | The Mask of Fu Manchu | Cantina singer (uncredited) | 6.2 |
| 1931 | The Man Who Came Back | Maid (uncredited) | 5.4 |
| 1930 | Ridin’ Law | Ai Lee | 6.2 |
| 1930 | Trailing Trouble | Ming Toy | 5.8 |
| 1929 | Rexue Nan’er | (as Yang Aili) | |
| 1928 | Yaoguang Xiaying | (as Yang Aili) | |
| 1928 | Huoyanshan | Princess Iron Fan (as Yang Aili) | |
| 1928 | Daxia Gan Fengchi | Yin Xiang (as Yang Aili) | Short |
| 1928 | Resia Boroboedoer | Young Pei Fen | 6.5 |
| 1927 | Yigian Chou | (as Yang Aili) | |
| 1927 | Langnu Qiongtu | (as Yang Aili) | |
| 1926 | Closing a Rift | (as Yang Aili) | |
| 1926 | Langdie | (as Yang Aili) | |
| 1926 | Kule Yuanyang | (as Yang Aili) |