Miyoshi Umeki was born on May 8, 1929, in Otaru, Hokkaido. She began her career as a nightclub singer in Japan post-World War II and started recording for RCA Victor Japan in 1950. After moving to the United States in 1955, Umeki appeared on The Arthur Godfrey Talent Scouts, which led to her signing with Mercury Records. Her breakthrough role came in 1957 with the film Sayonara, earning her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, making her the first Asian to win an Academy Award for acting. She also starred in the Broadway musical and film adaptation of Flower Drum Song as Mei Li, earning a Tony Award nomination in 1958. Umeki died on August 28, 2007, at the age of 78.
