Henry Nakamura
Actor
About Henry Nakamura
Henry Nakamura was a Japanese American actor who appeared in the 1951 war film 'Go for Broke!' directed by Robert Pirosh. His acting career appears to have been brief, with this film being his only known credit according to available records. 'Go for Broke!' was notable for its progressive casting of Japanese American actors to portray Japanese American soldiers, a rarity in Hollywood at the time. The film focused on the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a unit composed entirely of Nisei (second-generation Japanese American) soldiers who became one of the most decorated units in U.S. military history. Nakamura was likely one of several actual 442nd veterans cast in the film rather than a professional actor, as the production sought authenticity by involving real veterans. His participation in this groundbreaking film contributed to the early representation of Japanese Americans in mainstream cinema during a period when such representation was extremely limited.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in 'Go for Broke!' (1951), a groundbreaking war film featuring Japanese American actors
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Henry Nakamura's participation in 'Go for Broke!' contributed to an important milestone in Hollywood history - the authentic representation of Japanese Americans on screen. The film was one of the first mainstream Hollywood productions to feature Japanese American actors in substantial roles, particularly portraying them as American heroes during World War II. This was especially significant given that many Japanese Americans had recently been released from internment camps. The film helped challenge stereotypes and provided positive representation at a time when anti-Japanese sentiment was still prevalent in American society.
Lasting Legacy
While Henry Nakamura's individual legacy as an actor may be limited due to his brief filmography, his contribution to 'Go for Broke!' places him within the broader legacy of early Asian American representation in Hollywood. The film itself has become historically significant for its portrayal of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and its role in bringing Japanese American stories to mainstream audiences. The 442nd veterans who appeared in the film, potentially including Nakamura, helped pave the way for greater representation of Asian Americans in cinema.
Who They Inspired
As a participant in one of the first major Hollywood films to feature Japanese American actors in heroic roles, Henry Nakamura was part of a pioneering group that influenced future generations of Asian American performers. The authenticity brought by casting actual Japanese American actors and potentially real 442nd veterans set a precedent for more authentic casting in war films and stories about minority communities.
Off Screen
Very little personal information is available about Henry Nakamura, as he appears to have had a brief acting career with only one known film credit. Like many of the Japanese American actors in 'Go for Broke!', he may have been an actual veteran of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team rather than a professional actor.
Did You Know?
- 'Go for Broke!' was one of the first Hollywood films to feature Japanese American actors in leading and supporting roles
- The film's title comes from the motto of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team
- Many of the Japanese American actors in the film were actual veterans of the 442nd
- The 442nd Regimental Combat Team became the most decorated unit in U.S. military history for its size and length of service
- The film was released just six years after the end of World War II and Japanese American internment
- Director Robert Pirosh won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for the film
- The phrase 'Go for Broke' is Hawaiian Pidgin English meaning 'to risk everything'
- The film was unusual for its time in portraying Japanese Americans as patriotic American heroes
- Van Johnson, the film's star, was one of the few major Hollywood stars willing to play alongside Japanese American actors at the time
- The film helped educate mainstream America about the contributions of Japanese American soldiers during WWII
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Henry Nakamura?
Henry Nakamura was a Japanese American actor who appeared in the 1951 war film 'Go for Broke!' His acting career appears to have been brief, with this film being his only known credit. He was likely one of several Japanese American actors, possibly including actual 442nd veterans, cast in this groundbreaking film about the decorated Japanese American regiment.
What films is Henry Nakamura best known for?
Henry Nakamura is known for his appearance in 'Go for Broke!' (1951), a war film about the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. This appears to be his only film credit according to available records.
When was Henry Nakamura born and when did he die?
Specific birth and death dates for Henry Nakamura are not available in historical records. This is not uncommon for supporting actors from this era, especially minority actors who had brief film careers.
What awards did Henry Nakamura win?
There are no records of Henry Nakamura receiving individual acting awards or nominations. However, the film he appeared in, 'Go for Broke!', won director Robert Pirosh an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
What was the significance of 'Go for Broke!' in film history?
'Go for Broke!' was historically significant as one of the first Hollywood films to feature Japanese American actors in substantial, heroic roles. The film portrayed the real 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which became the most decorated unit in U.S. military history, and helped challenge stereotypes about Japanese Americans in the post-WWII era.
Was Henry Nakamura a real 442nd veteran?
While not definitively confirmed, it's likely that Henry Nakamura was one of several actual 442nd veterans cast in 'Go for Broke!' rather than a professional actor. The film sought authenticity by involving real veterans, and many of the Japanese American actors in supporting roles were actual members of the regiment.
Learn More
Films
1 film
