Frank Emi was an American actor and writer best known for his work in “A Divided Community,” “Rabbit in the Moon,” and “Watada, Resister.” He was born on September 23, 1916, in Los Angeles, California, and passed away on December 1, 2010, in West Covina, California.
Personal and Family Life
Frank Emi was married to Itsuko until his death in 2010. He had two daughters from a previous marriage, Kathleen Ito and Eileen Tabuchi, and was also a stepfather to Rie Nishikawa. He had a close-knit family that included a sister named Kaoru Sugita, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Career
During World War II, Emi was a Japanese American internee and was a member of the Fair Play Committee. He was known for standing up against the draft of fellow internees. Besides acting, he contributed as a co-writer for the film “A Divided Community,” showcasing his commitment to Japanese American issues.
Death and Legacy
Frank Emi passed away on December 1, 2010, leaving behind a significant legacy as a voice for Japanese Americans during a challenging time in history. He was the last surviving leader of the Heart Mountain Committee, and his work continues to inspire discussions on civil rights and Japanese American experiences.
Filmography
| Title | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Three Came Home | Japanese Soldier (uncredited) | 1950 |
| A Divided Community | Co-writer | 2012 |
| Rabbit in the Moon | Self | 1999 |
| Watada, Resister | Self | 2007 |