Osman Yusef
| Osman Yusef | |
|---|---|
| Native name | オスマン・ユセフ |
| Born | May 23, 1920 Istanbul, Ottoman Empire |
| 💀Died | August 29, 1982 (age 62) Tokyo, JapanAugust 29, 1982 (age 62) |
| Other names | Johnny Yusef Yusuf Ottoman Osmand Yusuf Joseph Ottoman |
| 💼 Occupation | Actor |
| 📆 Years active | 1944 - 1982 |
Osman Yusef (オスマン・ユセフ Osuman Yusefu, May 23, 1920 - August 29, 1982) was a Turkish actor who appeared frequently in Japanese films and television. Characterized by his large stature and tendency to wear sunglasses in many of his roles, Yusuf was born in the Ottoman Empire in 1920 and moved to Japan prior to World War II, earning permanent residence. As a foreigner fluent in Japanese, Yusuf became a valuable supporting actor in Japanese productions. Yusuf also worked as an interpreter for Toho along with fellow actor Henry Okawa. Yusuf's younger brother, Omar "Turk" Yusuf, was also a professional wrestler and actor in Japan. Osman Yusuf died on August 29, 1982, at the age of 62.
Carrer[edit]
Turkish born actor living in Japan. Yusef was somewhat fluent in Japanese, which made him a hot commodity for films that required actors of Western appearance that could convincingly interact with Japanese co-stars. Yusef also served as a translator between actors of different nationalities, along with fellow actor Heihachiro “Henry” Okawa, who also spoke English. Yusef’s hooded eyes and broad physique led to his casting in intrepid or officials roles, such as astronauts and submarine officers. He also had a notable appearance as one of Jerry Ito’s henchmen in Mothra (1961). He, along with fellow English-speaking actor Harold Conway, appeared in scenes filmed for Mothra vs. Godzilla (1964) that were only shown outside of Japan.
Films[edit]
- Battle in Outer Space (1959) as SPIP-2 crewmember
- Mothra (1961) as Danny, Clark Nelson's subordinate
- The Last War (1961) as Allied Army Correspondent
- Gorath (1962) as Arctic base technician
- King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962) as United Nations correspondent on Seahawk
- Atragon (1963) as Muan henchman
- Mothra vs. Godzilla (1964) as Foreign reporter
- Invasion of Astro-Monster (1965) as Restaurant patron
- King Kong Escapes (1967) as Explorer crewmember
- Son of Godzilla (1967) as UN submarine crewmember
- All Monsters Attack (1969) as Airliner passenger
- Latitude Zero (1969) as Craig McKenzie's subordinate
- Submersion of Japan (1973) as Foreign reporter
- The Explosion (1975) as Foreign reporter
Television[edit]
- Ultraseven (TV 1967-1968) as Terrestrial Defense Force science team chief [episode 14]
- Mighty Jack (TV 1968) as Dr. Adams [episode 7]
- Fight! Mighty Jack (TV 1968) as Scientist [episode 4] / boss of criminal organization "Kill" [episode 8]
- Mirrorman (TV 1971-1972) as Invader [pilot]
- Emergency Directive 10-4·10-10 (TV 1972) as White man [episode 1]
- Warrior of Love Rainbowman (TV 1972-1973) as Passenger on Macau flight [episode 4] / South Iron consul [episode 30] / Dalinger, Alician President's aide [episodes 34-36, 39]
- Zone Fighter (TV 1973) as Disguised Garoga [episode 15]
- Diamond Eye (TV 1973-1974) as Haneda Airport patron [episode 1]
- Ultraman 80 (TV 1980-1981) as Earth Defense Force staff officer [episode 24] (final role)
External links[edit]
- Osman Yusuf on IMDB
- Osman Yusef - Godzilla Cineaste
- Japanese Wikipedia オスマン・ユセフ
- Chinese Wikipedia 奧斯曼·優素福
