Tony Motung Lam

Tony Motung Lam was born on May 20, 1940, in Shanghai, China, to Jack Tong Lam (林澤形) and Shuet Kan Yeung (楊雪芹). Though his parents were originally from Zhongshan (中山), Tony and his five siblings (Alan, Albert, Amy, William, and Christina) lived in Shanghai before later moving to Hong Kong.

He received his medical training at the Zhongshan School of Medicine (中山医学院) in Guangzhou and also studied at Hong Kong Baptist University. While in Hong Kong, he began acting at the renowned Shaw Brothers Studios. In light of his education and the political uncertainty of the time, Tony made the decision to move to Los Angeles in 1963 to build a better future.

He graduated from Cal Poly Pomona and later attained his PhD. In 1980, he became one of the early licensed acupuncturists in California, at a time when the field was still emerging in the United States. He also graduated from Cleveland Chiropractic College and went on to teach acupuncture to physicians nationwide through continuing education programs with the American Medical Association.

He met his wife, Lydia, at a church summer camp when their families attended Hong Kong Methodist Church. They married in Los Angeles in 1970 and enjoyed 55 years together, attending parties, traveling, and raising their daughter, Larissa.

Tony loved the performing arts, especially Broadway musicals. He enjoyed karaoke, Chinese opera, dancing, playing mah-jong, and making people laugh. He was known for bringing people together, organizing charity concerts and annual New Year’s Eve parties. He also loved good food, especially lobster, sea cucumber, Reuben sandwiches, and tiramisu.

After retiring from his acupuncture and chiropractic practice, Tony returned to acting, appearing in commercials, films, and television. He passed away peacefully in the hospital after suffering cardiac arrest on April 13, 2026.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Lydia; his daughter, Larissa; his son-in-law, Baldwin; his granddaughter, Caliya; and his sisters, Amy and Christina. He is now at peace in God’s presence, reunited with loved ones who have gone before him.

A Funeral Service will be held at Hua Yuan - Hall of Grace, 3890 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, CA 90601, US, on April 29, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.