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Miyoshi Umeki (梅木 美代志, Umeki Miyoshi; or ミヨシ・ウメキ Miyoshi Umeki, May 8, 1929 – August 28, 2007) was a Japanese American singer and actress. She was best known for being the first Asian actor to win an Academy Award for her acting debut as Katsumi in the romantic drama film Sayonara (1957). Umeki was also best known for playing Mrs. Livingston in the television series The Courtship of Eddie's Father (1969-1972) and for playing Mei Li in the broadway musical Flower Drum Song, which earned her a nomination for a Tony Award. She would later reprise the role for the musical's 1961 film adaptation.
Miyoshi Umeki was a pioneering Japanese American singer and actress who became the first Asian actor to win an Academy Award for her film debut in Sayonara.
She is best known for her Oscar-winning role as Katsumi in Sayonara, playing Mei Li in Flower Drum Song on Broadway and in the film adaptation, and portraying Mrs. Livingston on The Courtship of Eddie's Father.