Actor. Born Goro Suzuki At Sea en route with his parents to Oakland, California, he was swept up in the relocation of those of Japanese descent during the Second World War. He was sent to the Topaz Relocation Center in Utah where he was a camp favorite serving as entertainer and singer at dances and events. He left the camp by enlisting in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team (RCT), serving in Italy. After the end of the war, he changed his name and began a career as a stand-up comedian touring the Midwest circuit. In 1958, he made his Broadway debut in Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical, 'Flower Drum Song.' He then appeared in the film of the same name in 1961. He managed to find a niche as a character actor, appearing in such films as 'Who's Been Sleeping in My Bed?' in 1963, 'Thoroughly Modern Millie' in 1967, and 'The Green Berets' in 1968. In the early 1970s, he made guest appearances on television programs such as 'Hawaii 5-0,' 'M*A*S*H,' 'Police Story,' and 'Ironside.' In 1975, he was cast in what was to be his best remembered role, Detective Nick Yemana on the sitcom, 'Barney Miller.' His wry, dry character quickly became a favorite. During the show's fifth season, Soo was diagnosed with throat cancer and succumbed after a short battle at the height of his popularity. The cast of 'Barney Miller' stepped out of character in a retrospective episode that aired in May of 1979 in tribute to Soo.
Actor. Born Goro Suzuki At Sea en route with his parents to Oakland, California, he was swept up in the relocation of those of Japanese descent during the Second World War. He was sent to the Topaz Relocation Center in Utah where he was a camp favorite serving as entertainer and singer at dances and events. He left the camp by enlisting in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team (RCT), serving in Italy. After the end of the war, he changed his name and began a career as a stand-up comedian touring the Midwest circuit. In 1958, he made his Broadway debut in Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical, 'Flower Drum Song.' He then appeared in the film of the same name in 1961. He managed to find a niche as a character actor, appearing in such films as 'Who's Been Sleeping in My Bed?' in 1963, 'Thoroughly Modern Millie' in 1967, and 'The Green Berets' in 1968. In the early 1970s, he made guest appearances on television programs such as 'Hawaii 5-0,' 'M*A*S*H,' 'Police Story,' and 'Ironside.' In 1975, he was cast in what was to be his best remembered role, Detective Nick Yemana on the sitcom, 'Barney Miller.' His wry, dry character quickly became a favorite. During the show's fifth season, Soo was diagnosed with throat cancer and succumbed after a short battle at the height of his popularity. The cast of 'Barney Miller' stepped out of character in a retrospective episode that aired in May of 1979 in tribute to Soo.
Bio by: Iola
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