Khigh Dhiegh, originally born as Kenneth Dickerson, had a fascinating heritage—Anglo-Egyptian-Sudanese roots that shaped his early life. Yet, despite not being of Asian descent, Khigh Dhiegh carved out a unique niche in Hollywood by frequently portraying Asian characters, often cast as the sinister antagonist. His journey into acting began in the 1950s, where he took on smaller roles in acclaimed television programs such as the dramatic anthology “Robert Montgomery Presents” and the popular “United States Steel Hour.” It wasn’t long before Khigh Dhiegh started gaining recognition for his intense screen presence.

A major turning point came in 1962 when Khigh Dhiegh delivered a chilling performance as Dr. Yen Lo, the manipulative Chinese brainwasher in the political thriller The Manchurian Candidate. That role left a lasting impression and essentially set the tone for much of his future work—complex, menacing villains became his signature. Then, in 1968, Khigh Dhiegh stepped into what would become his most iconic role: Wo Fat, the cunning and elusive Chinese spy who served as the arch-nemesis to Steve McGarrett in the hit crime series Hawaii Five-O. Audiences were captivated by Khigh Dhiegh’s portrayal of this shadowy figure, a villain so compelling that he remained a central threat throughout the show’s run. Khigh Dhiegh reprised the role intermittently until 1980, when Wo Fat was finally apprehended in the series’ closing arc—a moment fans still talk about.

Beyond Wo Fat, Khigh Dhiegh showcased his range in several other standout performances. He headlined the 1975 detective series Khan!, bringing depth to the title character. In 1977, he took on the ferocious warlord Attila the Hun in the educational yet dramatic series Meeting of Minds. Later, in 1988, Khigh Dhiegh appeared as Four Finger Wu, the ruthless leader of a smuggling syndicate, in the TV mini-series adaptation of James Clavell’s Noble House—another role that highlighted his talent for playing morally ambiguous figures.

But Khigh Dhiegh was more than just an actor. He was also deeply passionate about philosophy, particularly Taoism. In fact, Khigh Dhiegh authored multiple books exploring Taoist principles and even established the Taoist Sanctuary in Los Angeles, sharing his spiritual insights with others. So while Khigh Dhiegh may be best remembered for his unforgettable on-screen villains, his legacy extends far beyond television—he was a thinker, a writer, and a man of many dimensions. And through it all, Khigh Dhiegh remained a distinctive presence in both entertainment and personal enlightenment.