In 1946, he left the Army and stayed to work as executive director of the Chinese Welfare Institute (CWI, 中国福利会) under Soong Ching-ling (Madame Sun Yat-sen),[2] with whom he reportedly fell in love.
Although very popular with Chinese film audiences, his roles were limited by his refusal to portray negative American characters.
His best-known film role was in 1964's biographical account of the great Canadian internationalist Dr. Norman Bethune, and his life in China.
The film, however, did not tell of Bethune's giving up his comfortable life as a wealthy doctor in Canada, and choosing to go to the front line.)
After the US and China resumed official contacts in 1972, Tannebaum and his wife moved to the US, settling in California in January 1973.