Chosen by Goldsea Asian American Daily as one of the "100 Most Inspiring Asian Americans of All Time".
Discovered as a singer by TV's "Ted Mack's Amateur Hour" where he won first place and an annual scholarship prize. This led to Vegas and nightclub appearances. Pat Boone and Ann-Margret are other celebrities who benefited from Ted Mack's popular show.
On April 18, 2005, he was awarded a Visionary Award from East West Players, the nation's premier Asian American theatre organization.
One of six children born to a Honolulu contractor, he was educated at New York University where he majored in English.
Speaks fluent Japanese, French and Italian.
The first Asian-American to crack the old Hollywood studio star system, albeit briefly, groomed as a romantic leading man.