Kam Tong was a Chinese American actor who made a name for himself in Hollywood with his roles in films and television shows such as Flower Drum Song, Have Gun – Will Travel, and The Man from U.N.C.L.E. He was one of the few Asian actors who managed to break the stereotypes and barriers that limited their opportunities and representation in the entertainment industry. However, his life was cut short by a non-communicable disease that claimed his life at the age of 62. What was the cause of death of Kam Tong? How did he cope with the challenges and struggles he faced as an ethnic minority in a predominantly white-dominated field? This article will explore the life and career of Kam Tong, as well as the circumstances surrounding his death.
Early Life and Career
Kam Tong was born as Kam Dai Tong on December 18, 1906, in San Francisco, California, USA. He was the son of Chinese immigrants who ran a laundry business. He grew up in Chinatown and attended public schools. He developed an interest in acting and performing at a young age, and joined a Chinese opera troupe when he was 14. He also learned English and became fluent in both languages.
He made his film debut in 1936, playing a houseboy in The General Died at Dawn, starring Gary Cooper. He continued to appear in small roles in films such as The Good Earth, Across the Pacific, and China Girl, often portraying Chinese, Japanese, or Filipino characters. He also worked as a radio announcer for a Chinese language station in San Francisco.
During World War II, he served in the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), an intelligence agency that was the precursor of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). He was assigned to China and Burma, where he worked as an interpreter and liaison officer. He also participated in covert operations and sabotage missions against the Japanese forces.
After the war, he resumed his acting career and landed more prominent roles in films such as Soldier of Fortune, Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing, and The Seventh Sin. He also appeared in television shows such as Dragnet, Perry Mason, and The Twilight Zone.
Breakthrough and Success
Kam Tong’s breakthrough role came in 1957, when he was cast as Hey Boy, the loyal and witty Chinese valet of Paladin (Richard Boone), the main character of the CBS western series Have Gun – Will Travel. He appeared in 108 episodes of the show from 1957 to 1963, becoming one of the most popular and recognizable Asian actors on American television. He received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike for his performance, which showcased his comedic timing, charm, and versatility.
He also starred in another CBS series, Mr. Garlund, in 1960, playing the title role of a Chinese American lawyer who solves cases with his assistant (played by Phyllis Coates). The show was one of the first to feature an Asian American lead character, but it only lasted for 13 episodes due to low ratings.
In 1961, he played Dr. Li, one of the main characters of the film adaptation of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Flower Drum Song. The film was a musical comedy that depicted the lives and loves of Chinese Americans in San Francisco’s Chinatown. It was nominated for five Academy Awards and was a box office hit. Kam Tong received praise for his role as a wise and compassionate doctor who helps his niece (played by Miyoshi Umeki) find her true love.
He continued to work steadily in films and television shows throughout the 1960s, appearing in projects such as It Happened at the World’s Fair, Women of the Prehistoric Planet, Kill a Dragon, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., The Big Valley, The Time Tunnel, Bonanza, Wagon Train, I Spy and The Final War of Olly Winter.
Death and Legacy
Kam Tong’s last film role was in The Mad Room, a horror film released in 1969. He played a male nurse who works at a mental institution where a young woman (played by Stella Stevens) is suspected of killing her adoptive parents. He died on November 8, 1969, at his home in Costa Mesa, California. According to Wikipedia, he died of non-communicable disease, which is a term that refers to any disease that is not caused by infectious agents or transmitted from person to person. Some examples of non-communicable diseases are cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic respiratory diseases. The exact type of non-communicable disease that Kam Tong suffered from is not specified.
Kam Tong was buried at Pacific View Memorial Park in Corona del Mar, California. He was survived by his wife, Betty Sakata, whom he married in 1948, and his brother, Frank Tang, who was also an actor. He left behind a legacy of being one of the pioneers and trailblazers of Asian American representation in Hollywood. He paved the way for other Asian actors to pursue their dreams and aspirations in the entertainment industry. He also inspired generations of fans and admirers with his talent, charisma, and dignity. He is remembered as a versatile and accomplished actor who broke the mold and challenged the stereotypes that limited the roles and opportunities for Asian Americans in film and television.
