He worked in Chinese nightclubs in New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, where he sang and performed comedy routines.

The following year, he appeared in a recurring role as "George, the cook" in a series of television shorts which aired during The Mickey Mouse Club entitled The Adventures of Spin and Marty.

In 1957, he landed a co-starring role in the sitcom Bachelor Father, starring John Forsythe and Noreen Corcoran.

Although he was playing a servant, Tong enjoyed the role stating, "Houseboys in movies and the theater always bow low, mutter a few sing song words and disappear, but not on this show.

Tong's death effectively ended any chance for the series' survival and ABC canceled Mickey in December 1964.

[6][7] Tong's final screen appearance was as "Cook" in the 1965 film Fluffy, starring Tony Randall and Shirley Jones.

According to Rooney, Tong became despondent and upset after learning that Mickey faced cancellation because he owed money to the mafia.