Layne Tom, Jr. was known for playing the son of Charlie Chan in three movie mysteries featuring the famous and fictional detective. That is, he played three different sons over several films, and he was also the only “son” to work with both of the actors who portrayed Charlie Chan.

Tom Jr. also appeared on television playing a clerk on The Barbara Stanwyck Show, as well as some small roles in Adventures in Paradise and Hawaiian Eye.

In the Jimmy Stewart classic Mr. Smith Goes to Washington he had a small, uncredited role as Boy Ranger. He also had an uncredited role in The Good Earth, and a small role as the character Mako in The Hurricane, two Oscar-winning movies.

Tom Jr. also experienced success as an architect. He designed the Bank of America building in Los Angeles' Chinatown as well as numerous fire stations, banks, courthouses, libraries, shopping centers, civic centers and even his own home in Huntington Harbour.

Tom Jr. died on January 14, 2015, in Huntington Beach, California. He was 87.