Wesley Lau (June 18, 1921 – August 30, 1984) was an American film and television actor, and occasional screenwriter.

Early life

Wesley Lau was born and raised in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. His parents were Albert and Agnes ( Feldner) Lau. He graduated from Central High School in 1939. Lau studied playwriting at the University of Wisconsin, taking time off to serve in the United States Army Air Forces in World War II. He received a Master of Arts degree at Yale Drama School, later continuing his studies at The Actors Studio in New York. Although his goal was to be a writer, he ended up acting simply because he found more jobs as an actor than as a playwright when he arrived in New York City seeking work.

Career

Lau was probably best known for playing Lt. Andy Anderson in the TV series Perry Mason. He appeared frequently during the latter part of the show's run, especially during times when longtime series regular Ray Collins, who played Lt. Arthur Tragg, was absent. Collins died in 1965 before the series ended its run. Lau first appeared on Perry Mason as defendant Amory Fallon in "The Case of the Impatient Partner" in September 1961. Less than a month later, he made the first of 81 appearances as Lt. Anderson, a role which ran from "The Case of the Malicious Mariner," the fourth episode of the fifth season (1961–1962), through "The Case of the Mischievous Doll," the last episode of the eighth season (1964–1965). Other shows in which Lau made appearances included Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Gunsmoke, Mike Hammer, Johnny Ringo, Have Gun – Will Travel, Peter Gunn, The Twilight Zone, The Time Tunnel, The Big Valley, Mission: Impossible, Cannon, Wagon Train, and The Six Million Dollar Man. He would reunite with Raymond Burr, who played the title role in the Perry Mason series, in an episode of Ironside called "In the Forests of the Night". He also appeared in motion pictures, including the 1960 John Wayne film The Alamo.

Death

Lau died of heart failure on August 30, 1984, aged 63, and is buried at Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills Cemetery, Los Angeles.

Acting roles

Television series

Feature-length films