Earl Derr Biggers was an American author best known for his creation of the fictional detective character, Charlie Chan. Born on August 26, 1884, in Warren, Ohio, Biggers achieved great success and popularity for his mystery novels that featured Chan as the main protagonist.
Biggers began his career as a journalist, working for various newspapers such as the Cleveland Plain Dealer before becoming a highly regarded author. He published his first novel, Seven Keys to Baldpate, in 1913, which became a major hit and inspired several adaptations for the stage and screen. However, it was the creation of the character Charlie Chan that truly defined Biggers' career.
Charlie Chan, a Chinese detective, made his debut in Biggers' 1925 novel, The House Without a Key. The character was based on a Honolulu detective named Chang Apana, whom Biggers had encountered during his visit to Hawaii. Chan became hugely popular and eventually featured in a total of six novels written by Biggers.
Biggers' portrayal of Charlie Chan was often criticized for perpetuating racial stereotypes, particularly the clichéd "wise Oriental" trope. However, he also presented Chan as an intelligent and insightful detective, emphasizing his ability to solve complex mysteries through his keen observations and wisdom.
Earl Derr Biggers passed away on April 5, 1933, at the age of 48, in Pasadena, California. Despite his relatively short career as a writer, his creation of Charlie Chan left an indelible mark in the realm of detective fiction, influencing future authors in their portrayal of Asian characters and shaping the genre itself.
