Sumi Haru

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