Chang Apana

About

A Chinese-American detective with the Honolulu Police Department who became the inspiration for Asian detective character, Charlie Chan.

Before Fame

Living in China from the age of 3 to 10, he grew up speaking Chinese and Hawaiian, with some pidgin English; he also worked as a Hawaiian cowboy, carrying with him a bullwhip.

Trivia

The author Earl Derr Biggers was inspired to create his famous Charlie Chan character after reading about Apana's exploits in the local paper.

Family Life

He was born in Waipio, Oahu, Hawaii.

Associated With

Charlie Chan became the second most popular Hawaiian policeman after the series Hawaii Five-O, starring Kamfong Chun, appeared on screens.