Sammee Tong, a renowned American film and television character actor, made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry during his lifetime. Born on April 21, 1901, he embarked on a successful career that spanned multiple decades.
Throughout his professional journey, Tong is most notably recognized for his iconic portrayal of Peter Tong on the popular sitcom Bachelor Father. This beloved television show, which aired from 1957 to 1962, enjoyed widespread popularity and was broadcast on all three major national networks, further cementing Tong's status as a household name.
Sadly, Sammee Tong's life came to a close on October 27, 1964, leaving behind a legacy that continues to be celebrated by fans and admirers alike.
Tong's illustrious career in the film industry commenced in 1934 with a modest debut appearance in the light-hearted comedy film, "The Captain Hates the Sea", marking the initial stage of his professional journey.
In 1939, Tong made the decision to return to his hometown, where he assumed the esteemed position of director of entertainment at the Chinese Village of San Francisco's World's Fair, a prestigious event that brought together people from all over the globe.
During his tenure at the fair, Tong took the initiative to establish the first Chinese radio hour on KSAN, a pioneering achievement that not only showcased his creative talents but also helped to promote cultural understanding and exchange between the Chinese community and the wider public.
From the mid-1940s, Tong's early acting career was marked by brief, often unacknowledged appearances in films, laying the groundwork for his future success. Following a brief hiatus, Tong returned to Hollywood in the early 1950s, gradually transitioning to television roles that would ultimately catapult him to stardom.
It was in 1953 that Tong made his television debut, featuring in an episode of the popular newsreel-style anthology series "You Are There". The following year, he landed a recurring role as the charismatic and culinary-savvy "George, the cook" in a series of television shorts that aired during the beloved children's program "The Mickey Mouse Club", specifically within the spin-off series "The Adventures of Spin and Marty".
Tong's acting career continued to flourish in the mid-1950s, with a notable reprisal of his iconic role as George in the feature-length film Spin and Marty: The Movie, released in 1955. This cinematic endeavor marked a significant milestone in Tong's professional journey, as it served as a precursor to the sequel series The Further Adventures of Spin and Marty, which further solidified his status as a talented young actor.
In 1957, Tong's impressive range and versatility were showcased once again, as he landed a co-starring role in the beloved sitcom Bachelor Father. Starring the renowned John Forsythe and Noreen Corcoran, this popular television series followed the misadventures of Bentley Gregg, a charming and affable bachelor, and his live-in houseboy and valet, "Peter Tong". Tong's portrayal of this endearing character added a unique dimension to the show, as he brought warmth, humor, and a touch of elegance to the role.
Noted character actor Tong took great pleasure in his stint on the popular television series Bachelor Father, relishing the opportunity to bring his unique brand of humor and wit to the role. He often remarked that he didn't feel constrained by the character, instead, he was able to bring his own personality and flair to the part, resulting in a memorable on-screen presence that left audiences in stitches. However, Tong's tenure on the show was not without its challenges, as he eventually walked off the set due to disagreements over his compensation, feeling that his salary was not commensurate with his contributions to the program. Furthermore, Tong's distinctive accent, which was a product of his American upbringing, often added an air of intrigue to his performances, leaving viewers to wonder whether his on-screen persona was an accurate reflection of his real-life demeanor.
Mickey Rooney starred in the ABC sitcom Mickey, which featured Tong in the role of Sammy Ling, a character that had garnered a significant following due to his previous portrayal in the popular series Bachelor Father, which had concluded its run in 1962. Despite Tong's enduring popularity as Sammy Ling, the show struggled to maintain a strong viewership, and as a result, the network was weighing the possibility of cancellation.
Noted character actor and veteran of the silver screen, Tong, made his final cinematic appearance in the 1965 film production of Fluffy, a motion picture that boasted a star-studded cast, including the renowned Tony Randall and the talented Shirley Jones.
In this particular film, Tong took on the role of "Cook", a character that would ultimately prove to be his swan song in the world of cinema.
