- Joined
- Dec 4, 2004
Miyoshi Umeki was the daughter of a prominent Japanese iron factory owner and the youngest of nine children; she developed an early passion for music and learned to play the mandolin, harmonica and piano. She also enjoyed singing American-styled tunes, much to the chagrin of her parents. This propensity for Americanized pop songs later paid off.
Following WWII, she traveled with a U.S. Army G.I. jazz band in Japan as Nancy Umeki and was the first to record American songs, for RCA Victor Japan, in her homeland. She became an extremely popular radio and nightclub artist which triggered a move to the United States in 1955. Again, the diminutive vocalist demonstrated a demure prowess for gaining attention with her one-season regular role (1955-1956) on the musical variety show "Arthur Godfrey and His Friends." With that popularity, she was able to sign with Mercury Records and eventually released two albums.
The timing couldn't have been more perfect. From this recognition she was immediately cast in the film "Sayonara" (1957) based on James A. Michener's best-selling romantic tale. Inspired casting opposite comedian Red Buttons in a tragic, counterpoint romance as a WWII airman and his naive Japanese war bride who fall victim to post-war prejudice led to supporting Academy Awards for both actors.
Following this Oscar-winning endeavor, Umeki conquered Broadway with the 1958 musical "Flower Drum Song" in which she proved a highlight as a starry-eyed Chinese immigrant with her captivating rendition of "A Hundred Million Miracles," earning a Tony nomination in the process. She scored additional points after recreating her role for the 1961 film version.
Arguably her biggest claim to fame was as Mrs. Livingston, the housekeeper and quiet pillar of strength to a widower and his young son, in the heart-tugging TV comedy "The Courtship of Eddie's Father." (IMDb)
Happy Birthday, Miyoishi Umeki!
Following WWII, she traveled with a U.S. Army G.I. jazz band in Japan as Nancy Umeki and was the first to record American songs, for RCA Victor Japan, in her homeland. She became an extremely popular radio and nightclub artist which triggered a move to the United States in 1955. Again, the diminutive vocalist demonstrated a demure prowess for gaining attention with her one-season regular role (1955-1956) on the musical variety show "Arthur Godfrey and His Friends." With that popularity, she was able to sign with Mercury Records and eventually released two albums.
The timing couldn't have been more perfect. From this recognition she was immediately cast in the film "Sayonara" (1957) based on James A. Michener's best-selling romantic tale. Inspired casting opposite comedian Red Buttons in a tragic, counterpoint romance as a WWII airman and his naive Japanese war bride who fall victim to post-war prejudice led to supporting Academy Awards for both actors.
Following this Oscar-winning endeavor, Umeki conquered Broadway with the 1958 musical "Flower Drum Song" in which she proved a highlight as a starry-eyed Chinese immigrant with her captivating rendition of "A Hundred Million Miracles," earning a Tony nomination in the process. She scored additional points after recreating her role for the 1961 film version.
Arguably her biggest claim to fame was as Mrs. Livingston, the housekeeper and quiet pillar of strength to a widower and his young son, in the heart-tugging TV comedy "The Courtship of Eddie's Father." (IMDb)
Happy Birthday, Miyoishi Umeki!
