Although he portrayed innumerable Asians in the course of his career,
he was actually of Anglo-Egyptian-Sudanese ancestry.
His best known role was that of "Wo Fat", the Red Chinese agent who was
a recurring villain on Hawaii Five-O (1968).
Dhiegh turned his back on his own series, "Khan!" (1975), about a clever detective based in San Francisco's Chinatown. For unclear reasons he had his name removed from the credits, and refused to promote it. It was canceled after five episodes.
Founded the Taoist Sanctuary in North Hollywood, California. (now the
Taoist Institute, as of 2003)
Owned a book store in Manhattan 7th Avenue in the 1940s and 50s.
Professional name pronounced "Ki (rhymes with 'why') Dee."
Author of multiple books on Taoist philosophy, including The Eleventh
Wing.
Frequently sat in as guest co-host on the nationally syndicated Long John Nebel radio show on WNBC New York in the 1960s.
Obie Award for Best Actor in Brecht's The Jungle of Cities at The Living Theatre. (1961)
Children: Kenneth Dickerson Jr, and Kathleen Dickerson.