Warner Oland was a Swedish-American actor born on October 3, 1879, in Nyby, Sweden. He is best known for his role as Charlie Chan, a fictional Chinese detective, in a series of films during the 1930s. Oland's portrayal of Chan helped popularize the character and contributed to the success of the film series. Oland's career began in the theater before transitioning to silent films and then talkies. He appeared in over 50 films, showcasing his versatility in various roles. He passed away on August 6, 1938, leaving behind a legacy in early Hollywood cinema.