Spencer Chan  Spencer Chan was a Chinese American character actor who had a long career in film and television. Spencer was born in Los Angeles, California, to Kui Sing Chan (a pastor and court interpreter) and Loy Yau. His parents were Chinese immigrants, and they owned a house in Los Angeles's Boyle Heights neighborhood. He attended college at the University of Southern California. He began appearing in Hollywood films in the 1930s, and also worked as an interpreter and casting agent when a script called for Chinese actors. Considered an "atmosphere" player, along with Willie Fung, Frank Chew, Richard Loo and more.