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Born: October 28, 1917 – Died: January 11, 1979
Jack Soo, known for his role as detective Sgt. Nick Yemana on the popular sitcom "Barney Miller," was a Japanese-American actor born in Oakland, California in 1917. His real name was Goro Suzuki. Before his breakthrough role, Soo entertained as a stand-up performer in nightclubs. He made his mark on the entertainment industry with his laid-back, wisecracking style, earning him the nickname "The Chinese Bing Crosby." Despite the lack of roles for Asian-Americans at the time, Jack Soo found success on TV and in films, leaving a lasting impact before his death in 1979.
Early Life and Career
Jack Soo had a challenging childhood, as he was placed in an internment camp during World War II due to his Japanese heritage. After the war, he pursued his passion for performance and attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he majored in drama. He got his start in show business as a stand-up comedian, honing his skills in nightclubs and theaters. Soo's first major successful role came in 1958 when he played the club MC/comedian in the hit Broadway musical "Flower Drum Song," a role he reprised in the film adaptation three years later. This breakthrough role showcased his talent and charisma, leading to more opportunities in Hollywood.
However it was his role as detective Sgt. Nick Yemana on the sitcom "ney Miller" that catapulted Soo into stardom. His deadpan delivery and witty humor endeared him to audiences, earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Soo's portrayal of Yemana became iconic and made him a household name. Although he faced challenges as an Asian-American actor in a predominantly white industry, Soo persevered and left a lasting impact on Hollywood.
Despite his success on screen, Soo had a tragic personal life. He battled esophageal cancer, which ultimately claimed his life on January 11, 1979, at the age of 61. His last words to his co-star Hal Linden before entering the operating room for treatment were a playful reference to his character's terrible coffee-making skills on "Barney Miller."
Throughout his career, Jack Soo garnered admiration and respect from his peers, but unfortunately, he did not receive the recognition he deserved in the form of major awards. Nevertheless, his contributions to the entertainment industry and his trailblazing role as an Asian-American actor paved the way for future generations and left a lasting legacy. Jack Soo remains a beloved figure, remembered for his talent, wit, and enduring impact on Hollywood.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1975–1979 | Barney Miller (TV Series) | Det. Sgt. Nick Yemana |
| 1978 | Return from Witch Mountain | Mr. Yokomoto |
| 1977 | Busting Loose (TV Series) | Hoofat |
| 1975 | Police Woman (TV Series) | Red Star |
| 1972–1975 | M*A*S*H (TV Series) | Kim Chung Quoc | Charlie Lee |
| 1975 | Amy Prentiss (TV Series) | Dr. Atsumi |
| 1974–1975 | Police Story (TV Series) | Bruce Chan | Taiske |
| 1974 | Ironside (TV Series) | Sing-Ho | Joe Lee |
| 1973 | She Lives! (TV Movie) | Dr. Osikawa |
| 1972 | The Odd Couple (TV Series) | Chuk Mai Chin |
| 1971 | The Jimmy Stewart Show (TV Series) | Woodrow Yamada |
| 1971 | Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In (TV Series) | Guest Performer |
| 1968–1971 | Julia (TV Series) | Judge Warren Wazaku | Tree Man |
| 1971 | The Name of the Game (TV Series) | Sergeant George Kwan |
| 1970 | Hawaii Five-O (TV Series) | Sam Quong |
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