Even more ironic is that the descendants of some of the show's actors have set up a web site to proudly commemorate their work!
Charlie Chan, on the other hand, was played by several actors.
Warner Oland was the first notable Charlie Chan. He was born in Sweden in 1880 and by the time he assumed the role of Charlie Chan, he had many years of experience as an actor. He played the character Chan from 1931-1938.
In 1942 Sidney Toler acquired the rights to the character. After financing failed, Monogram then decided to produce the series with Toler as Chan.
Roland Winters played the character of Charlie Chan from 1947-1949. Winters lacked the charm that Oland and Toler gave to the part. He played Chan with very little make-up, squinting to give his face an Oriental cast.
Apparently, an Oriental was never cast in the role of Charlie Chan. Do you suppose it would have made a difference?