Japanese-American actor Jack Soo, born Goro Suzuki in Oakland, California in 1917, was a charismatic and laid-back character player with a penchant for delivering relaxed wisecracks and dry comments. As a stand-up performer, Soo entertained audiences in nightclubs and made a name for himself on the Midwest circuit before landing his big break as the club MC and comedian in the Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway musical "Flower Drum Song" in 1958.
Three years later, Soo was cast as Sammy Wong in the film adaptation of "Flower Drum Song" and decided to make Hollywood his new home. Over the next decade, despite the scarcity of roles for Asian-Americans, Soo managed to carve out a niche for himself on television and in a few films, showcasing his hip and deadpan demeanor in projects such as "Who's Been Sleeping in My Bed?" (1963),the musical "Thoroughly Modern Millie" (1967),and John Wayne's controversial pro-Vietnam War film "The Green Berets" (1968).
Soo is perhaps best remembered for his role as Detective Sgt. Nick Yemana on the popular 1970s sitcom "Barney Miller", starring alongside Hal Linden and Abe Vigoda. Tragically, Soo passed away from cancer during the show's fifth season in 1979, at the height of his popularity, leaving behind a legacy as a talented and versatile actor.
