Nancy Kwan memoir sheds light on an emotional chapter in the legendary actress’s early Hollywood career, particularly her time filming the iconic 1960 movie The World of Suzie Wong. At just 20 years old, Kwan took on the complex role of a Hong Kong sex worker in a romantic entanglement with an American architect, played by William Holden. While she recalls most days on set fondly, one incident left a lasting scar.
Nancy Kwan Memoir Exposes Costume Dispute
In the Nancy Kwan memoir, the actress recounts a heated disagreement over a revealing costume. A pivotal scene called for Holden’s character to angrily tear off her dress, exposing black lingerie underneath. Uncomfortable with the idea, Kwan quietly wore a modest full slip instead. The unexpected change sparked outrage from director Richard Quine.
“Today, an intimacy coordinator would’ve been present to ensure I was okay,” she writes. “But in 1960, that kind of support didn’t exist. I was expected to simply follow directions. I felt humiliated and pressured, unsure if my age and inexperience were being exploited. The situation left me shaken.”
Though the scene was ultimately filmed with only essential crew on set, Kwan went through with it, dressing in the intended outfit. Despite her professionalism, the experience left her feeling exposed and emotionally vulnerable.
Nancy Kwan Memoir Highlights On-Set Injuries
In another revealing chapter of the Nancy Kwan memoir, the actress shares how a fight scene turned too realistic at the director’s urging, leaving her with a black eye. “Quine told us to make it feel real,” she writes. “We did—and I paid the price.”
Even after such hardships, Kwan received a Golden Globe nomination for her role and continued to shine in Hollywood with films like Flower Drum Song and The Wrecking Crew. But as she reflects back, her memoir offers a deeper understanding of the struggles she quietly faced behind the scenes.
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Source: www.people.com
