Miyoshi Umeki

Miyoshi Umeki (梅木美代志, Umeki Miyoshi; or ミヨシ・ウメキ Miyoshi Umeki, May 8, 1929 – August 28, 2007) was a Japanese American singer and actress. She was best known for being the first Asian actor to win an Academy Award for her acting debut as Katsumi in the romantic drama film Sayonara (1957). Umeki was also best known for playing Mrs. Livingston in the television series The Courtship of Eddie's Father (1969-1972) and for playing Mei Li in the broadway musical Flower Drum Song, which earned her a nomination for a Tony Award. She would later reprise the role for the musical's 1961 film adaptation.

Filmography (22 Appearances)

The Pet Set

The Courtship of Eddie's Father

Burke's Law

A Girl Named Tamiko

The Merv Griffin Show

The Virginian

Sam Benedict

The Horizontal Lieutenant

Flower Drum Song

Dr. Kildare

Cry for Happy

Mister Ed

Rawhide

The All-Star Christmas Show

The Donna Reed Show

Sayonara

Tonight Starring Jack Paar

The Dinah Shore Chevy Show

The Oscars

Hallmark Hall of Fame

What's My Line?

The Ed Sullivan Show

Back to top