Keye Luke was an American actor born on June 18, 1904, in Guangzhou, China. He is best known for his roles as Kato in “The Green Hornet” series, Lee Chan in the “Charlie Chan” films, and Mr. Wing in “Gremlins.”
Personal and Family Life
Keye Luke grew up in Seattle, Washington, after moving from China. He was married to Ethel Davis from 1942 until her death in 1979, and they had one child together. In his family, he had a sibling named Edwin Luke. Luke began his career as a commercial artist and was involved in designing movie posters.
Career Highlights
Luke made his film debut in “The Painted Veil” (1934) and quickly became a recognizable face in Hollywood, often playing supporting roles in various films that featured Chinese characters. He was the original Kato in the “Green Hornet” serials and served as a technical advisor for several Asian-themed films. His role as Charlie Chan’s “Number One Son” gained him significant fame during the 1930s and 1940s. He continued to act well into his later years, appearing in the TV series “Kung Fu” in the 1970s, which introduced him to a new generation of viewers.
Death and Legacy
Keye Luke passed away on January 12, 1991, in Whittier, California, due to a stroke. He continued working in film until just weeks before his death, having completed his last movie, “Alice,” which was released in late 1990. His legacy lies in breaking barriers for Asian actors in Hollywood and being one of the first to portray significant roles for Asian characters during an era marked by limited representation.