Miyoshi Umeki

Born in Otaru, Hokkaidō, Japan, Umeki was the youngest of nine children to a father who owned an iron factory. Her early career involved singing American jazz standards in Japan, a bold move that predated her eventual leap to Hollywood and Broadway stages. She was, by all accounts, a charming and talented performer.

Her breakout role in "Sayonara" earned her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, making her a trailblazer in Hollywood. She later captivated audiences on Broadway in "Flower Drum Song," earning a Tony nomination for her performance. These achievements are certainly commendable, even if they don't quite register on the "kvell" scale for us.

After a successful run, Umeki retired from entertainment in the early 1970s, choosing a quiet life away from the spotlight. While her contributions to film and theater are significant, and she broke barriers for Asian performers, her narrative, alas, remains firmly rooted in Japanese heritage, with nary a matzo ball in sight.