Sumi Haru was an American actress best known for her roles in Krakatoa: East of Java, Hill Street Blues, and Marcus Welby, M.D..
Personal and Family Life
Sumi Haru was born Mildred Sevilla on August 25, 1939, in Orange, New Jersey. She changed her name based on the advice of her acting coach. Throughout her career, she was active in advocating for minority representation in the film industry and served on the board of the Screen Actors Guild.
Career
Haru joined the Screen Actors Guild in 1968 and became a board member in the mid-1970s. She co-founded the Ethnic Employment Opportunities Committee within SAG and played a key role in negotiating a clause for better representation of minorities in film. In addition to her acting career, she hosted and produced shows at KTLA-TV Channel 5 and worked in the Los Angeles Cultural Affairs department.
Death and Legacy
Sumi Haru passed away on October 16, 2014, in Los Angeles, California, due to undisclosed reasons. She was remembered for her contributions to minority representation in the entertainment industry. The Screen Actors Guild honored her with the Ralph Morgan Award in 2009 for her advocacy work.
Filmography
Title | Year | Role | Type |
---|---|---|---|
Krakatoa: East of Java | 1968 | Sumi | Film |
Ironside | 1969 | Witness | TV Series |
MASH | 1970 | Japanese Nurse (uncredited) | TV Series |
The Beverly Hillbillies | 1971 | Japanese Girl | TV Series |
Marcus Welby, M.D. | 1973 | Patient | TV Series |
Fast Friends | 1979 | TV Reporter | TV Movie |
Hill Street Blues | 1981 | Public Defender | TV Series |
Frank TV | 2008 | Asian Passerby #1 | TV Series |