Reiko Sato Cause of Death: A Look Back at the Life of the Actress

Reiko Sato was an American dancer and actress who appeared in several films and television programs throughout her career. She was born on December 19, 1931, in Los Angeles, California, to an issei Zen Buddhist priest, Ken-ichi Sato and his wife Chieko. She passed away on May 28, 1981, at the age of 49 due to a brain aneurysm.

 Early Life and Career

Sato’s family was interned at the Gila River War Relocation Center during World War II following the signing of Executive Order 9066. Her mother became a real estate investor after the war; Reiko also had an older brother, Keiichiro, and a younger brother, Koji. She graduated from Belmont High School in 1949, later attending Los Angeles City College. She continued her studies in ballet .

Sato is best known for playing seamstress Helen Chao in the 1961 feature film Flower Drum Song. She also had a dramatic role in The Ugly American, receiving personal coaching from actor Marlon Brando with whom she had a relationship. She had been on contract with Fox and Universal, but nothing materialized, and she retired from Hollywood .

 Final Years

Sato spent her final years involved in various organizations promoting equality for Asian-American performers. She lived on Mulholland Drive. Half of her ashes were sent to a Buddhist temple. The other half were spirited away to Marlon Brando’s private island .

 Conclusion

Reiko Sato was a talented actress who appeared in several films and television programs throughout her career. She is perhaps best known for her work in the feature film Flower Drum Song. Sato passed away on May 28, 1981, at the age of 49 due to a brain aneurysm .

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