Sidney Toler (1874-1947), born Hooper G. Toler Jr., originated from Warrensburg, Missouri, and became involved with theater as a young child. In 1892, he left the University of Kansas and became a professional actor in Kansas City. He made his Broadway debut in 1903 in the musical comedy, "The Office Boy."

Later that year, he moved to Portland, Maine, where he remained for nine years as a playwright, theater director, and stage actor. He owned the Sidney Toler Stock Company and was known as one of the leading men at Keith's Theater on Congress Street. In 1938, he became famous in his most known role, Charlie Chan, after the original actor died. Toler held the role for eleven films over four years until Fox closed the Charlie Chan series in 1942.