Charles P. Low; Ran S.F. Nightclub
Charles P. Low, who opened what was believed one of the country’s first Chinese nightclubs--if not the first--more than 50 years ago, has died at age 88.
His Forbidden City in San Francisco had featured scantily clad Asian showgirls at a time that shocked the conservative Chinese community.
But business boomed when Low discovered college student Noel Toy, who performed a bubble dance considered racy in the more innocent prewar times.
He touted her as a Chinese version of fan dancer Sally Rand and turned the club into a lasting tourist attraction.
Over the years Low--who died Aug. 2--showcased dozens of Chinese performers who became successful.
Singer Francis Fong, who had been a body surfer in Hawaii, became a headliner. Jack Soo went on to stage and film success in “The Flower Drum Song” and played the sad-faced detective on television’s “Barney Miller.” Sammee Tong later played the butler on the “Bachelor Father” TV show.
Saying, “I need a little rest,” Low sold the Forbidden City in 1962.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
