James Yoshio Yoda (March 31, 1934 – January 13, 2023) was a Japanese-born American actor and businessman who played Takeo Fujiwara in the American television series McHale’s Navy.
Yoda was born on March 31, 1934, in Tokyo, Japan, the only son of a family of manufacturers. After Yoda graduated from high school, he enrolled at Keio University to study law. During this period, Yoda met Edward Ugast, then general manager in East Asia of 20th Century Fox.
Ugast encouraged Yoda to pursue a career in acting. Yoda abandoned his studies and immigrated to the United States, whereupon he enrolled at the University of Southern California in August 1958 with aspirations of becoming a film producer.
In the summer of 1961, William White, a USC faculty member, received a call from Joe Pasternak of MGM seeking a young man who could speak English and Japanese.
White contacted Yoda, who was then put in touch with MGM’s casting office. After a series of interviews, Yoda was cast in the part of Sgt. Roy Tada in The Horizontal Lieutenant.
Yoda’s success in that role led him to be cast as Imperial Japanese Navy Seaman 3rd Class Fujiwara “Fuji” Takeo Kobiashi in the American television series McHale’s Navy.
He was recast in the role in the later feature-length films McHale’s Navy and McHale’s Navy Joins the Air Force.
Yoda continued attending school while acting, eventually earning a degree in cinema arts.
As of 2021, Yoda and Bobby Wright are the last surviving cast members from McHale’s Navy television series.
Where will Yoshio Yoda be buried? Burial site and Find a Grave details
Per his request, no services will be held. He was predeceased by his son Edward Yuji Yoda.
Source: Ghanafuo.com
