Who Is Jack Soo? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Jack Soo was born on October 28, 1917, in Los Angeles, California. He was of Japanese descent and became one of the first Asian-American actors to gain prominence in the American entertainment industry. With a career spanning several decades, Soo was best known for his role as Detective Nick Yemana on the popular television series Barney Miller. Jack Soo passed away on January 11, 1979, but his legacy continues to influence aspiring actors and actresses today. To learn more about his life and career, visit his Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Singers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 28, 1917 |
| Age | 61 Years |
| Birth Place | Pacific Ocean |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | Japan |
| Date of death | 11 January, 1979 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Jack Soo's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Jack Soo stood at approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall and weighed around 160 lbs (72.5 kg) at his peak. Though specific body statistics are not widely documented, his charismatic presence and substantial talent outshined mere physical attributes, making him an iconic figure in television history.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Jack Soo was known for maintaining a relatively private personal life. He was married to actress Yukari Kato, although specific details about their relationship remain limited. There is no extensive information about other dating rumors or relationships he may have had. The couple shared a deep bond that showcased their mutual support in the acting profession.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Jack Soo's estimated net worth at the time of his passing was around $1 million. Though his earnings during his career were modest by today’s standards, his role in Barney Miller and other television appearances contributed significantly to his financial stability. Today, his legacy influences the earnings of many Asian-American actors who followed in his footsteps.
Career, Business, and Investments
Jack Soo began his career in the late 1940s as a nightclub singer before transitioning to acting. His breakthrough role came in the 1970s with Barney Miller, where he portrayed the beloved Detective Yemana. Apart from television, Soo also appeared in several films, notably The Yakuza and MASH*. Despite facing racial barriers in Hollywood, he persevered and became an inspiration for future generations of actors.
Soo was not reported to have engaged extensively in business ventures or investments outside of his acting career. His dedication to his craft was evident throughout his life, and his artistic contributions are remembered more than any financial endeavors.
Soo's career as an entertainer began in earnest at the end of the war, first as a stand-up nightclub performer primarily in the Midwestern United States. To avoid prejudice against him for being Japanese-American, he used the name Jack Soo while working in nightclubs such as Chin's, a Chinese nightclub in Cleveland, Ohio.
He adopted the surname Soo that he had used to leave the internment camp at Topaz.
Social Network
While Jack Soo's lifetime was in an era before the prominence of social media, his legacy continues to thrive online. Fans and followers can explore various platforms to share memories and tributes to this iconic actor. The enduring appreciation for his work highlights the impact he made, particularly in the Asian-American community.
Education
Jack Soo's educational background is not extensively documented; however, it is known that he developed a passion for performing arts at a young age. His experiences during World War II, where he served in the U.S. military, also shaped his resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, Jack Soo's life and career continue to resonate with fans around the world. As the entertainment industry evolves, his story serves as a vital chapter in the narrative of Asian-American representation in Hollywood.
He graduated from University of California, Berkeley with a degree in English. He lived in Oakland until ordered into internment along with other Japanese Americans during World War II and the signing of Executive Order 9066. He was sent to the Topaz War Relocation Center in Utah. His fellow internees recalled him as a "camp favorite," an entertainer singing at dances and numerous events.
