Edwin Luke was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “Mysteries of Chinatown,” “The King and I,” and “China Smith.” He was born on July 23, 1911, in Seattle, Washington, and had a varied career in entertainment and social work.
Personal and Family Life
Edwin Luke grew up in a Chinese-American family in Seattle. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of Washington. Edwin was the younger brother of Keye Luke, a well-known actor of his time. He initially aimed to be a reporter but eventually found his path in acting and later in social work.
Career
Luke began his career by joining the Hollywood Reporter in the 1940s as a printer and linotyper, making history as the first Chinese member of the printer’s union. He appeared in various TV series throughout the 1950s, earning recognition for his performances. After his acting career, he had a successful tenure as a social worker for Los Angeles County, helping those in need.
Death and Legacy
Edwin Luke passed away on January 18, 1986, in Los Angeles, California. Although much of his life is not widely known, his contributions to both acting and social work left a lasting impact. His legacy includes paving the way for more Asian-American representation in Hollywood.
Filmography
| Title | Year | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Live Fast, Die Young | 1958 | Phillip (uncredited) |
| Tombstone Territory | 1958 | Wei (as Eddie Luke) |
| Navy Log | 1957 | Korean (as Eddie Luke) |
| The Silent Service | 1957 | Domingo the Cook (as Eddie Luke) |
| The Seventh Sin | 1957 | Houseboy (uncredited) |
| Wire Service | 1957 | The Assassin |
| The King and I | 1956 | Messenger (uncredited) |
| The Man Called X | 1956 | TV Series |
| Crossroads | 1955–1956 | Teacher (uncredited) |
| Blood Alley | 1955 | Feng’s #2 Nephew (uncredited) |
| The Whistler | 1955 | TV Series |
| The Shanghai Story | 1954 | Police Officer (uncredited) |
| Forbidden | 1953 | Chinese Clerk (uncredited) |
| China Smith | 1952 | Kim Yam |
| Mysteries of Chinatown | 1950 | Feng |