Miyoshi Umeki

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. 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.

Early life Born in Otaru, Hokkaido, Umeki was the youngest of nine children. Her father owned an iron factory. The show was directed by Gene Kelly and ran for two years. A cover story in Time stated "the warmth of her art works a kind of tranquil magic".

Personal life and death Umeki's first marriage, to television director Frederick Winfield "Wynn" Opie in 1958, ended in divorce in 1967. The couple operated a Los Angeles-based business renting editing equipment to film studios and university film programs.

According to Umeki's son (who died 11 years after his mother), Umeki lived in Sherman Oaks, California, for a number of years, then moved to Licking, Missouri, to be near her son and his family, which included three grandchildren. Known as Miyoshi Hood, she died there on August 28, 2007, aged 78, from cancer.

Discography

RCA Victor Japan (1950–1954) During her singing career in Japan, Miyoshi recorded the following songs: "Sleepy My Love" (1950) "Under the Moonlight" (1950) "Don't Say That Person's Name" (1950) "Evening Whisper" (1950) "I Feel Like Crying" (1950) 1957

Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture

1961 Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy Flower Drum Song 1970 Best Supporting Actress – Television The Courtship of Eddie's Father 1959 Tony Awards Best Leading Actress in a Musical Flower Drum Song