Wesley Lau (June 18, 1921 – August 30, 1984) was an American film and television actor, and occasional screenwriter.
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Early life
Wesley Lau was born and raised
in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. His parents were Albert and Agnes (née 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).