Otto Yamaoka


Otto Yamaoka was an American actor and businessman who worked in Hollywood primarily during the 1930s. He was one of only a handful of Japanese-descended actors working in the industry at the time. His sister, Iris, was an actress too.

Biography

Otto was born in Seattle, Washington, to Ototaka Yamaoka and Jho Watanabe.
The family moved to Los Angeles in the 1920s, and he and his sister Iris both developed an interest in acting; both primarily played smaller roles. His brother, George Yamaoka, became a prominent lawyer.
Otto's career in Hollywood ended around 1940, and he then began working as an importer in the Los Angeles area. The Yamaoka family was sent to the Heart Mountain internment camp in Wyoming during World War II following the signing of Executive Order 9066.

Partial filmography

The Ship from Shanghai - Shanghai Nightclub Patron The Benson Murder Case - Sam The Hot Heiress - Chinese Waiter The Black Camel - KashimoThe Hatchet Man - Chung Ho Westward Passage - Chong War Correspondent - Bandit The Racing Strain - TogoMidnight Mary - Chinese Proprietor Morning Glory - Servant Before Midnight - KonoThe Sin of Nora Moran - Kito - John Grant's Houseboy We're Rich Again - FugiStudent Tour - Casino Patron Limehouse Blues - Chinese Waiter on Boat Death Flies East - Japanese Chauffeur The Wedding Night - Taka The Affair of Susan - Spieler Petticoat Fever - KimoRhythm on the Range - Chinese Houseboy Hollywood Boulevard - Thomas Libeled Lady - ChingEasy to Take - Japanese Instructor Night Waitress - FongCriminal Lawyer - Mitzu - Brandon's House Boy Thin Ice - Japanese Reporter Song of the City - Wilbur - Paul's Butler Stand-In - Quintain's Houseboy Next Time I Marry - Joe - Nancy's Butler Trouble in Sundown - Foo YungTwo Girls on Broadway - ItoThe Letter - Bartender at Party