Actor. He will be best remembered for playing the role of 'Charlie Chan's' son in the film series of the same title. Born Robert Layne Tom, Jr., he made his motion picture debut in the Shirley Temple film "Stowaway" (1936) and followed this with "The Good Earth" (1937), before he was cast as 'Charlie Chan, Jr.,' in "Charlie Chan at the Olympics" (1937), which starred Warner Oland. He was memorable playing 'Mako' in the adventure picture "The Hurricane" (1937) and experienced the role of 'Tommy Chan' in "Charlie Chan in Honolulu " (1938), which starred Sidney Toler. He appeared in Frank Capra's classic picture "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" (1939) and was cast once again playing 'Charlie Chan's' son, this time as 'Willie Chan' in "Charlie Chan's Murder Cruise" (1940). Thus, he held the distinction of playing three different sons in the 'Charlie Chan' series. During World War II, he was stationed in the Pacific Theater with the United States Navy and upon his return home, he appeared in the film "China Sky" (1945). Tom received a degree in Architecture from the University of Southern California and went on to become a noted architect in the Los Angeles-area.
Actor. He will be best remembered for playing the role of 'Charlie Chan's' son in the film series of the same title. Born Robert Layne Tom, Jr., he made his motion picture debut in the Shirley Temple film "Stowaway" (1936) and followed this with "The Good Earth" (1937), before he was cast as 'Charlie Chan, Jr.,' in "Charlie Chan at the Olympics" (1937), which starred Warner Oland. He was memorable playing 'Mako' in the adventure picture "The Hurricane" (1937) and experienced the role of 'Tommy Chan' in "Charlie Chan in Honolulu " (1938), which starred Sidney Toler. He appeared in Frank Capra's classic picture "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" (1939) and was cast once again playing 'Charlie Chan's' son, this time as 'Willie Chan' in "Charlie Chan's Murder Cruise" (1940). Thus, he held the distinction of playing three different sons in the 'Charlie Chan' series. During World War II, he was stationed in the Pacific Theater with the United States Navy and upon his return home, he appeared in the film "China Sky" (1945). Tom received a degree in Architecture from the University of Southern California and went on to become a noted architect in the Los Angeles-area.
Bio by: C.S.
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