1. Overview
Michael Paul Chan is an American actor born on June 26, 1950, in San Francisco, California. A third-generation Chinese American, he has established a prolific career spanning both film and television, renowned for his versatility in portraying diverse characters. Chan is particularly recognized for his long-running role as Lieutenant Michael Tao in the critically acclaimed TNT series The Closer and its spin-off, Major Crimes. His extensive filmography includes memorable appearances in films such as Falling Down, The Goonies, and the Batman film series, among many others.
2. Early Life and Background
Michael Paul Chan was born on June 26, 1950, in San Francisco, California, United States. He identifies as a third-generation Chinese American, reflecting his family's long history in the country. He is the brother of the late Jeffery Paul Chan, who was a notable author and academic.
3. Career
Michael Paul Chan's acting career began in the mid-1970s and has since become extensive, encompassing a wide range of roles across both film and television. His dedication to the craft is evidenced by his involvement in pioneering Asian American theater and his consistent work in numerous productions.
3.1. Early Career and Asian American Theater Company
Chan began his acting career in 1975. He was a founding member of the Asian American Theater Company, an organization dedicated to promoting Asian American voices and stories in the performing arts. Beyond acting, Chan also pursued musical interests in his early career, serving as a keyboardist for a band based in North California.
4. Filmography and Television
Michael Paul Chan has had a prolific career in both film and television, appearing in a wide array of productions ranging from blockbuster films to long-running television series, often portraying diverse characters, including those of Chinese or Korean descent.
4.1. Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Thief | Chinese Waiter | |
| 1984 | Runaway | Wilson | |
| 1985 | The Goonies | Data's Father | |
| 1986 | Quicksilver | Asian Gangster | |
| 1986 | Kung Fu: The Movie | Sgt. Tanaka | Television film |
| 1988 | Stranger on My Land | Elliot | Television film |
| 1991 | Thousand Pieces of Gold | Hong King | |
| 1992 | Rapid Fire | Carl Chang | |
| 1993 | The Joy Luck Club | Harold | |
| 1993 | Falling Down | Mr. Lee | |
| 1993 | Joshua Tree | Jimmy Shoeshine | |
| 1993 | Heaven & Earth | Interrogator | |
| 1994 | Dangerous Heart | Lin | Television film |
| 1994 | Maverick | Riverboat Poker Player | |
| 1995 | Batman Forever | Wayne Enterprises Executive | |
| 1995 | Galaxis | Manny Hopkins | |
| 1996 | The Protector | Anthony Mane / Lee | |
| 1996 | Sudden Terror: The Hijacking of School Bus #17 | Harry | Television film |
| 1997 | Batman & Robin | Observatory Scientist | |
| 1998 | U.S. Marshals | Chen | |
| 1999 | Molly | Domingo | |
| 1999 | The Insider | Norman | |
| 2001 | Megiddo: The Omega Code 2 | Chinese Premier | |
| 2001 | The Glass House | Kim | |
| 2001 | Spy Game | Vincent Ngo | |
| 2003 | Masked and Anonymous | Guard | |
| 2005 | Mrs. Harris | Louis Low | Television film |
| 2006 | Americanese | Jimmy Chan |
4.2. Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | T.J. Hooker | Doctor | Episode: "Hot Property" |
| 1985 | Hill Street Blues | Smith | Episode: "What Are Friends For" |
| 1986 | Dynasty | Lab Technician | |
| 1986 | Alfred Hitchcock Presents | Denning | Episode: "The Human Interest Story" |
| 1986 | MacGyver | Banker | Episode: "Nightmares" |
| 1990 | Northern Exposure | Masuto | Episode: "Dreams, Schemes and Putting Greens" |
| 1992 | The Wonder Years | Mr. Chong, Chinese Chef | 3 episodes |
| 1994 | Babylon 5 | Roberts | Episode: "The War Prayer" |
| 1995 | Murder, She Wrote | Trevor Han | Episode: "Another Killing in Cork" |
| 1995 | JAG | Ambassador Sonsiri | Episode: "Deja Vu" |
| 1996 | Nash Bridges | Tommy Luck | Episode: "Promised Land" |
| 1997 | Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman | Chester | Episode: "I've Got You Under My Skin" |
| 1999-2001 | The PJs | Jimmy Ho | Voice role; 41 episodes |
| 2001 | Static Shock | Mr. Kim | Voice role; Episode: "Tantrum" |
| 2002-2003 | Robbery Homicide Division | Detective Ron Lu | Main cast; 13 episodes |
| 2003 | Crossing Jordan | Yoshi | Episode: "Perfect Storm" |
| 2004-2005 | Arrested Development | Judge Lionel Ping | 6 episodes |
| 2005-2012 | The Closer | Lieutenant Mike Tao | Main cast; 109 episodes |
| 2006 | Smith | Chan | Episode: "Three" |
| 2007 | Las Vegas | Larry Chen | Episode: "When Life Gives You Lemons" |
| 2007 | Bones | Shi Jon Chen | Episode: "The Boneless Bride in the River" |
| 2011 | The Simpsons | Chinese Agent | Voice role; Episode: "Homer the Father" |
| 2012-2018 | Major Crimes | Lieutenant Mike Tao | Main cast; 105 episodes |
| 2017 | Hawaii Five-0 | Detective Tanaka | Episode: "He Kaha Lu'u Ke Ala, Mai Ho'okolo Aku" |
| 2018 | The Good Fight | Judge Park | Episode: "Day 436" |
| 2019-2021 | The Resident | Yee Austin | Recurring role |
| 2021 | MacGyver | Dahn Nguyen | Episode: "Banh Bao + Sterno + Drill + Burner + Mason" |
| 2023 | Hello Tomorrow! | Walt | Recurring role |
| 2024 | Gremlins: The Wild Batch | Voice role |
4.3. Notable Roles and Critical Reception
Michael Paul Chan has garnered particular recognition for his portrayal of Lieutenant Michael Tao in the TNT series The Closer and Major Crimes. His performance in The Closer earned him a nomination for the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series, reflecting the critical acclaim for the cast's collective work. Across his career, Chan has been noted for his ability to embody a wide array of characters, from the serious and analytical Lieutenant Tao to more comedic or nuanced figures in film and other television series.
5. Personal Life
Michael Paul Chan is married to Christina Ann. The couple wed in 1975 and have one child. Prior to his extensive acting career, Chan was also involved in music, playing the keyboard for a band based in North California.
6. Awards and Nominations
- Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series - Nominated (for The Closer)