Kim Chan (born Kim Shung Chan; Chinese: 陈锦湘; December 28, 1917 – October 5, 2008) was a Chinese and American actor and producer. He was most notable for his roles as Lo Si, also known as The Ancient, in Kung Fu: The Legend Continues and Mr. Kim in The Fifth Element.
Early life, family and education
Kim Shung Chan was born in Shanghai, to a family originally from Taishan, Guangdong. Together with his father and two sisters, Chan immigrated to the United States in 1928, first living in Rhode Island before settling in the Bronx in New York City in 1938.[1][2][3][4] Chan worked as a maître d' at the House of Chan family restaurant in Manhattan. Having held a life-long fascination with the film industry, he left this position in the 1940s to pursue an acting career, which led to his father cutting off ties with him. Although Chan was happy with the higher wages for work as an extra, he had frequent financial difficulties and was homeless for two years, often living in Central Park. He primarily worked as menial jobs in construction, restaurants, and laundries during this time.[2][4][5]
Chan never married, but had romantic relationships with non-Chinese women. He had no biological children, but had an adoptive son, Michael Chandler.[1][3][6]
He played the character Lo Si, also known as The Ancient, in 52 episodes of Kung Fu: The Legend Continues from 1993 thru 1997. He also played the villainous monk Ping Hai on the TV series.[6] The series was a revised version of the original 1973 classic, Kung Fu with both series starring David Carradine. He played the recurring villain The Eggman in four episodes of the science fiction TV series Now and Again. He appeared in many guest roles in series, including Mad About You (1998), Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2002), and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2004).
Chan retired from acting in 2007, subsequently moving from his long-time residence in the Bronx to an assisted living facility in Brooklyn.[2]
Death
Chan died on October 5, 2008, after being hospitalized for respiratory disease. His age at death is most commonly reported as 90, although he had reportedly told Linda Wang that he was 93 shortly before he died.[1] His niece Judy Gee also claimed that he was likely 93 or 94 years old.[6]
He was featured in a photography exhibit when he was in his 90s. In October 2009, a year after his death, Chan appeared on the cover of the journal The Gerontologist beside his photography portrait.[7]
