Conrad Yama was an American actor who is best known for The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, The Chairman, and Midway. Born Kiyoshi Conrad Hamanaka on October 8, 1919, in Fresno, California, he passed away on March 10, 2010, in New York City, New York, USA.
Personal and Family Life
Conrad Yama was the father of well-known children’s author Sheila Hamanaka. His family background influenced his career and contributed to his artistic endeavors. Yama’s unique heritage added to the depth of his roles in various productions.
Career Highlights
Yama frequently portrayed characters resembling Mao Zedong due to his physical resemblance to the Chinese leader. His professional name “Yama” translates to “mountain” in Japanese, which reflects a connection to his cultural roots. Throughout his career, he appeared in various films and television shows, showcasing his talent in multiple genres.
Death and Legacy
Conrad Yama died on March 10, 2010, in New York City, leaving behind a rich legacy in the entertainment industry. His contributions to film and television, particularly in roles representing Asian characters, have inspired future generations of actors. Yama is remembered not only for his performances but also for his impact on diversity in casting.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Pacific Overtures | 1976-09-06 | Grandmother/Sumo Wrestler/Japanese Merchant |
| The Year of the Dragon | 1975-01-15 | Pa |
| Midway | 1976-06-18 | Adm. Nobutake Kondo |
| The King of Marvin Gardens | 1972-10-12 | Fujito |
| See China and Die | 1981-12-09 | House Boy |
| The Chairman | 1969-06-25 | The Chairman |
| The Taking of Pelham One Two Three | 1974-10-02 | Mr. Tomashita |
| The Godfather | 1972-03-14 | Fruit Vendor (uncredited) |
| China Smith | 1952-01-01 | |
| The Patty Duke Show | 1963-09-18 | |
| Naked City | 1958-09-30 | Busboy |