Yoshio Yoda best known for playing the character of Fuji Kobiaji in the classic ABC show McHale’s Navy has died. According to Daily Mail, the sad news of the actor’s demise was announced on Monday.
It has been reported by the media outlet, that the beloved actor passed away at the age of 88. He took his last breaths on January 13, 2023, in Fullerton, California. Keep scrolling further to know the cause behind the death of Yoshio Yoda.
What was the cause behind the death of Yoshio Yoda?
It was confirmed on Monday that Yoshio Yoda left for the heavenly abode on January 13, 2023. As of this moment, the cause behind the talented actor’s death has not been revealed publicly.
According to New York Post, an online obituary read, “James Yoshio Yoda passed away on January 13, 2023, in Fullerton, California. He was born in Tokyo, Japan on March 31, 1934. He was predeceased by his son Edward Yuji Yoda.”
Here’s all you need to know about Yoshio Yoda (including his early life, acting career, and more)
Yoshio Yoda was an actor by profession. He was born on March 31, 1934, in Tokyo, Japan. He was most noted for essaying the character of Fuji Kobiaji in the iconic American television series McHale’s Navy. He starred in all 138 episodes of the ’60s sitcom McHale’s Navy.
The actor and businessman studied law at Keio University in Japan before moving to the United States. An acquaintance encouraged him to pursue a career in acting. So, he discontinued his studies and moved to the U.S. and enrolled at the film school at the University of Southern California in 1958, and ultimately, he graduated with a degree in Cinema Arts.
Yoshio appeared in his first movie, The Horizontal Lieutenant, in the year 1961 when the school he was attending at the time asked whether any of the students were bilingual in Japanese and English. He played the role of Sgt. Roy Tada in the movie.
His good performance in the movie The Horizontal Lieutenant helped him bag another role in his kitty. He was cast to portray the character of Fuji Kobiaji, a Japanese prisoner of war who rose through the ranks in the popular Tv series McHale’s Navy which ran from 1962 to 1966, and the two follow-up movies.
Yoda announced that he was to wed Yoko Okazaki, a Japanese fashion model, in June 1964. He also starred in a 1969 episode of the comedy Love, American Style which was his last acting credit. Soon after, he decided to change his career route, and he went on to become an Assistant Vice President of Toyota Hawaii.
After retiring, Yoshio moved to Fullerton, California where he lived until his passing. As per his request, no services will be held. The actor was predeceased by his son Edward Yuji Yoda.
We send our deepest condolences to the close friends and family members of the brilliant actor Yoshio Yoda. May the departed soul rest in peace. Don’t forget to stay tuned with us for the latest updates from the world of showbiz.
