Kam Tong

Kam Tong (December 18, 1906 – November 8, 1969) was a prominent Chinese-American actor recognized for his significant contributions to film and television. He gained widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Hey Boy in the CBS series *Have Gun, Will Travel*, and notably played Dr. Li in the film adaptation of the acclaimed Rodgers and Hammerstein musical *Flower Drum Song*. Despite his regular presence on *Have Gun, Will Travel*, he was often listed among the supporting cast without a distinguished credit, reflecting the racial biases prevalent in the industry at the time.

In addition to his notable television roles, Tong starred in the short-lived CBS series *Mr. Garlund* in 1960 and made appearances in various films, frequently portraying uncredited characters of Asian descent. His versatility allowed him to feature in several other popular television series, including *The Man from U.N.C.L.E.*, *The Big Valley*, *The Time Tunnel*, *The Final War of Olly Winter*, and *I Spy*.

A veteran of World War II, Kam served in an OSS intelligence unit and later dedicated himself to initiatives combating gun violence. Outside of acting, he was the proud owner of Shanghai Lil's, a restaurant in San Francisco that celebrated Chinese cuisine. Kam Tong passed away on November 8, 1969, from a non-communicable disease at the age of 63, leaving behind a legacy cherished by his extensive network of family and friends.