She Was Nancy

So far the only actress to win an Oscar was Miyoshi Umeki for her supporting role in SAYONARA (1957). When she performed in Japan, where she was born on May 8th, 1929, she was known as Nancy Umeki and a little while here, but then her real name was used as her Japanese name sounded more authentic for the interest over things Asian. Aside from her brief movie career, which included FLOWER DRUM SONG and CRY FOR HAPPY, she made many television appearances. Then, when things seemed to be quieting down, she appeared as "Mrs. Livingston" in the TV show, THE COURTSHIP OF EDDIE'S FATHER. That show ran from 1969 to 1972, and has become as institution. She has a lovely voice and a lovely presence in the films she did.

 

Is She Asian?

For a long time, I was aware of Barbara Luna. I always thought of her as Hispanic, but recently I started finding out more. Though she was born in New York City, her father seems to have been a Filipino. She was, in fact, a Eurasian, with other ethnic influences, primarily Hungarian from her mother's side. If one goes to her website, BarBaraLuna.com, one will find more about her. As far as I know, she wasn't talked about as an Asian (she may have early on) and referred to as an Asian who broke this or that barrier, frequently mentioned these days. Her looks meant she could play many parts, and indeed some of her roles were as a Hispanic. She did loads of TV and a smattering of feature films. One of the biggest of the later is THE DEVIL AT 4 O'CLOCK, a 1961 film where she worked with Spencer Tracy and Frank Sinatra. She played the part of Camille, a Polynesian woman who is blind. And, yes, the Philippines is in Asia.