Born in US as child of Swedish missionaries, he moved to Hong Kong in 1950 and grew up there (thus became fluent in Cantonese). As a musician who emerged in 60s HK music scene he befriended musician Robert Lee (Bruce Lee's younger brother). Thus he was introduced to Bruce Lee who was looking for some 'Gwailos' (Foreigner) to act as Italian thugs in his movie 'Way of the Dragon' (Which was not entirely shot in Italy due to the high costs)