The prolific character actor who shaped Asian-American representation on screen
In short: From the first Asian-American family sitcom to the high-stakes drama of the O.J. Simpson trial, Clyde Kusatsu has spent over five decades weaving himself into the fabric of American media. His career is a masterclass in longevity, spanning over 300 productions and significant labor leadership.
Clyde Kusatsu began his journey in the theater, attending ʻIolani School and later Northwestern University, where he was the only Asian-American student enrolled in the theater major. The East West Players, Los Angeles' oldest Asian-American theatre group, saw him join in 1972. His 1970 debut launched a busy career featuring over 300 television and film projects.
His television work is marked by both recurring presence and versatile guest spots. He appeared in iconic series like M*A*S*H, All in the Family, and Magnum, P.I., often portraying multiple distinct characters in a single series. Notably, he co-starred in All American Girl (1994–1995), which was the first Asian-American family sitcom in the United States. His filmography is equally diverse, ranging from the Marvel Comics character Wong in Dr. Strange (1978) to portraying Judge Lance Ito in American Tragedy.
Beyond his craft, Kusatsu has been a pivotal figure in labor advocacy. After SAG and AFTRA merged in 2012, he was chosen as the 2013 Los Angeles Local's initial elected President. He served as the first elected National Vice President Los Angeles, a position he held from 2013 through 2021. Today, he continues his influence as the Secretary of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, remaining a vocal supporter of union issues within the film and television industries.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Clyde Kusatsu
- Also: Wikidata — Clyde Kusatsu · CC0
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