Philip Ahn

Ahn's last major role was as "Master Kan" on the television series Kung Fu. A lifelong Presbyterian, Ahn felt the Taoist homilies his character quoted did not contradict his own religious philosophy.

For contributions to the motion picture industry, Ahn was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6205 Hollywood Boulevard. He was the first Asian American actor to receive a star on Hollywood Boulevard.

Ahn was actively involved in the Korean community of Los Angeles. He worked to make Los Angeles a sister city of Pusan, Korea. He also helped to bring the Korean Bell of Friendship to San Pedro. The Bell has been seen in many subsequent movies. He served as honorary mayor of Panorama City for twenty years.

He worked to have his father and mother buried together in Seoul. His father had been buried far from the city because the Japanese hoped to play down his independence work. His mother had died in California. Read Less