Toshia Mori was an American actress best known for her roles in The Bitter Tea of General Yen, The Secrets of Wu Sin, and Charlie Chan on Broadway. Born in Japan, she became a significant figure in early Hollywood, recognized for her unique contributions to film during her time.
Personal and Family Life
Toshia Mori, originally named Toshia Ichioka, was born on January 1, 1912, in Kyoto, Japan. She moved to the United States at the age of ten and later married Chinese actor Allen Jung. In her later years, she worked as a researcher for Robert Ripley on the series “Believe It Or Not”. Mori also changed her name to ‘Shia Jung’, which may have helped her find more acting opportunities in the Hollywood of the 1930s.
Death and Legacy
Toshia Mori passed away on November 26, 1995, in The Bronx, New York. She is remembered as the only non-Caucasian selected as a WAMPAS Baby Star in 1932, showcasing her significance in breaking racial barriers in film. Her portrayal of unique characters in an era of limited Asian representation in Hollywood has left a lasting impact on the industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Blondie Johnson | 1933-02-25 | Lulu |
| The Secrets of Wu Sin | 1932-12-15 | Miao Lin |
| The Bitter Tea of General Yen | 1933-01-06 | Mah-Li |
| Charlie Chan on Broadway | 1937-09-22 | Ling Tse |
| Roar of the Dragon | 1932-07-08 | Chinese Proprietor’s Daughter |
| Ambassador Bill | 1931-11-13 | Dinner Guest |
| Way for a Sailor | 1930-11-01 | Singapore Party Girl |
| Mr. Wu | 1927-03-26 | Friend of Nang Ping (uncredited) |
| The Hatchet Man | 1932-02-06 | Wong’s Secretary Miss Ling (uncredited) |
| Chinatown Squad | 1935-05-31 | Wanda – Telephone Operator |
| George White’s 1935 Scandals | 1935-03-29 | Japanese Girl – Old Southern Custom (uncredited) |
| Young Bride | 1932-04-08 | Chop Suey Restaurant Hostess (uncredited) |
| Tiger Shark | 1932-09-24 | Oriental Lady Barber (uncredited) |
| Union Depot | 1932-01-14 | Chinese Woman Wanting Sedan (uncredited) |
| Streets of Shanghai | 1927-12-15 | Girl Wife |
| Screen Snapshots (Series 12, No. 2) | 1932-06-17 | Herself |
| Reaching for the Moon | 1930-12-29 | Coat Girl (uncredited) |
| Fury of the Jungle | 1933-10-23 | Chita |