Wesley Lau was an American actor and screenwriter who was best known for his role as Lt. Andy Anderson in the popular TV series Perry Mason. He appeared in 81 episodes of the show from 1961 to 1965, as well as in many other films and TV shows. He died of heart failure at the age of 63 in 1984. Here is a brief overview of his life and career, and the circumstances of his death.
Early Life and Education
Wesley Lau was born on June 18, 1921, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. His parents were Albert and Agnes Lau. He graduated from Central High School in 1939. He served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II, and then studied playwriting at the University of Wisconsin. He received a Master of Arts degree at Yale Drama School, and later continued his studies at The Actors Studio in New York.
Acting Career
Wesley Lau started his acting career on stage, appearing in Broadway and off-Broadway productions. He moved to Hollywood in 1953, and made his film debut in The Bamboo Prison. He was often cast as a villain or a tough guy, due to his imposing appearance. Some of his notable film roles include The Alamo, The Young Savages, The Glory Guys, and The Green Berets.
However, he was most famous for his TV work, especially as Lt. Andy Anderson in Perry Mason. He first appeared on the show as a defendant 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 until the end of the eighth season in 1965. He replaced Ray Collins, who played Lt. Arthur Tragg, when Collins became ill and eventually died.
Wesley Lau also guest-starred in many other TV shows, such as Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Gunsmoke, Peter Gunn, The Twilight Zone, The Time Tunnel, Mission: Impossible, Cannon, Wagon Train, and The Six Million Dollar Man. He also reunited with Raymond Burr, who played Perry Mason, in an episode of Ironside called “In the Forests of the Night”.
Screenwriting Career
Besides acting, Wesley Lau also pursued his passion for writing. He wrote several episodes for Perry Mason, as well as for other TV shows such as Ironside, Mannix, Barnaby Jones, Quincy M.E., and Magnum P.I. He also wrote a novel called The Glitter Dome, which was adapted into a TV movie starring James Garner and John Lithgow.
Personal Life and Death
Wesley Lau was married three times. His first wife was Marie Louise Metcalf, whom he married in 1942 and divorced in 1950. His second wife was Sirin Devrim, a Turkish actress whom he married in 1954 and divorced in 1960. His third wife was Laura Morgan, whom he married in 1961 and who died of cancer in 1965.
Wesley Lau died of heart failure on August 30, 1984, at his home in Los Angeles. He was 63 years old. He is buried at Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills Cemetery.
Wesley Lau was a talented and versatile actor and writer who left a lasting impression on many fans of Perry Mason and other TV shows. He will always be remembered as one of the most beloved characters on the show.
