Michael Paul Chan Biography
Michael Paul Chan is an American actor who has been working in the industry for over 30 years. He is best known for his roles as Lieutenant Michael Tao on the TNT series The Closer and Major Crimes. Chan has also appeared in numerous films and television shows, including Falling Down (1993), The Goonies (1985), and Spy Game (2001).
Michael Paul Chan Early Life and Career
Chan was born in San Francisco, California, on June 26, 1950. He is a third-generation Chinese American, and he is a founding member of the Asian American Theater Company. Chan’s brother was the late Jeffery Paul Chan, an author and academic.
Chan began his acting career in the early 1980s. He appeared in several stage productions, including “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “The Fantasticks.” He also had small roles in several films, including “Runaway” (1984) and “Real Genius” (1985).
Breakthrough Role and Continued Success
Chan’s breakthrough role came in 1985 when he was cast as Data in the film The Goonies. He played the role of a young Chinese boy who is a member of a group of friends who go on an adventure to find a lost pirate treasure.
After The Goonies, Chan continued to work steadily in film and television. He appeared in the films Falling Down (1993), Spy Game (2001), and Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story (2009). He also had recurring roles on the television shows NYPD Blue (1993-1996), ER (1994-2002), and The Practice (1996-2004).
The Closer and Major Crimes
Chan’s most famous role came in 2005 when he was cast as Lieutenant Michael Tao on the TNT series The Closer. He played the role of a technology specialist who works for the Los Angeles Police Department’s Major Crimes Division. The Closer was a critical and commercial success, and Chan was praised for his performance.
In 2012, Chan reprised the role of Lieutenant Tao in the spin-off series Major Crimes. The show was another success, and Chan continued to be praised for his work.
Michael Paul Chan Recent News
In recent years, Chan has continued to work in film and television. He has appeared in the films Dragon Eyes (2012), The Perfect Guy (2015), and The Death and Life of John F. Donovan (2018). He has also had guest roles on the television shows NCIS: Los Angeles (2017), Criminal Minds (2019), and The Blacklist (2020).
Chan is a talented and versatile actor who has made significant contributions to the film and television industry. He is a role model for Asian American actors, and he is an inspiration to all aspiring performers.
Note: This biography is based on the available information as of 2023, and real-time updates or developments are being updated by our editorial team.