Origins & Early Life

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 and American singer and actress. She was the first East Asia-born woman to win an Academy Award for acting, winning Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Sayonara (1957). She was also a three-time Golden Globe nominee, and was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Flower Drum Song. Born in Otaru, Hokkaido, Umeki was the youngest of nine children.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Her father owned an iron factory. After World War II, she began her career as a nightclub singer in Japan, using the name Nancy Umeki. Her early influences were traditional kabuki theater and American pop music. Later in one of her appearances on The Merv Griffin Show, she treated viewers to her impression of singer Billy Eckstine, one of her American favorites growing up. Umeki was best known for her Oscar-winning role as Katsumi in Sayonara (1957), as Mei Li in both the Broadway musical and 1961 film Flower Drum Song, and as Mrs.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Livingston in the television series The Courtship of Eddie's Father. She was a shin Issei, or post...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Al Oerter — Contemporary (Died in 2007) (2007): Four-time Olympic champion in the discus throw, pioneering athletic consistency.
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• 6ix9ine — Shared historical date (05-08 · Born) (1996): American rapper known for aggressive style and controversial public persona.
• Avery Brundage — Shared historical date (05-08 · Died) (1975): American sports administrator and fifth IOC President, championing amateurism.
• Al Arbour — Shared historical date (08-28 · Died) (2015): Pioneering Canadian hockey player, coach, and executive known for leading the Islanders.
• Al-Shafi'i — Shared historical date (08-28 · Born) (767): Founder of the Shāfiʿī school of Sunni Islamic jurisprudence and jurist.
• 1929 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1929
• May 8 (05-08) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on May 8
• 2007 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2007
• August 28 (08-28) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on August 28