Jhon Alex
Clyde Kusatsu is a veteran American actor known for his extensive work in film, television, and voice acting. With a career spanning over five decades, he has played iconic roles in numerous projects, including his portrayal of Vice Admiral Nakamura in Star Trek: The Next Generation. From dramas and comedies to action series and animated films, Kusatsu has carved out a unique legacy as one of the most respected Asian-American actors in Hollywood. His roles have not only entertained but also contributed to Asian-American representation in mainstream media.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Clyde Kusatsu |
| Date of Birth | September 13, 1948 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 76 years old |
| Place of Birth | Honolulu, Hawaii, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnic Background | Japanese-American |
| Profession | Actor (Film, TV, Theatre, Voice Acting) |
| Famous Roles | Vice Admiral Nakamura in Star Trek: TNG, Wong (Marvel Animation), Magnum P.I. |
| Spouse | Gayle Shuffler |
| Children | 2 |
| Estimated Net Worth | $2 million – $4 million |
| Education | Northwestern University (Drama) |
| Years Active | 1970s – Present |
| Advocacy Work | SAG-AFTRA leadership, diversity in Hollywood |
| Social Media | Minimal public presence |
Early Life and Background
Clyde Kusatsu was born on September 13, 1948, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Raised in a culturally rich and diverse environment, he was exposed to performance art and storytelling at a young age. He is of Japanese-American descent and grew up during a time when Asian-American representation was nearly nonexistent in U.S. media. This would later influence his choice of roles and career advocacy.
How Old
As of 2025, Clyde Kusatsu is 76 years old. Despite his age, he remains active in the entertainment industry and continues to take on new acting projects.
Parents
Clyde Kusatsu has kept details about his parents mostly private. However, it is known that his family supported his early interest in acting and education. He has spoken in interviews about his family’s resilience during the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, suggesting that history had a strong impact on his identity.
Mother
There is limited public information available about Clyde Kusatsu’s mother. She is believed to have played an essential role in nurturing his appreciation for education, culture, and the arts during his childhood in Hawaii.
Spouse
Clyde Kusatsu is married to Gayle Shuffler. The couple has been together for many years and maintains a strong relationship away from the public spotlight.
Children
Clyde and Gayle have two children together. While he does not frequently share details about his family life, Kusatsu has spoken in interviews about the importance of being a dedicated father and role model.
Personal Life and Privacy
Clyde Kusatsu is known for being reserved when it comes to his personal life. He prefers to focus media attention on his work and activism rather than on his family or private affairs.
Balancing Privacy and a Celebrity Legacy
Over the years, Kusatsu has managed to strike a balance between being a recognizable public figure and maintaining a private personal life. His professionalism and humility have earned him respect across the industry.
Public Life vs. Private Preferences
Unlike many contemporary actors, Kusatsu has not embraced a heavy presence on social media or the celebrity circuit. His commitment to low-key public appearances aligns with his personality and values.
Connection to the Entertainment Industry
Clyde Kusatsu’s entry into the entertainment world began with theatre and early TV appearances in the 1970s. His breakthrough came with roles in shows like Kung Fu, followed by consistent work in MASH*, Magnum P.I., and more.
Educational Journey
He graduated from Northwestern University in Illinois, where he studied drama and honed his skills in classical and modern theater. His time at Northwestern laid the foundation for a versatile and long-lasting career.
Career Beginnings
Clyde Kusatsu began acting in television during the early 1970s, with minor roles in series such as Kung Fu and Hawaii Five-O. He steadily built his resume with roles in both comedic and dramatic series. His ability to adapt to different genres made him a go-to character actor for decades.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Clyde Kusatsu’s estimated net worth is between $2 million and $4 million. His wealth stems from a long and consistent career in film, television, stage, and voice acting.
Personal Life and Relationships
Kusatsu has consistently praised his wife and family for their unwavering support throughout his career. He credits them as his emotional foundation and often mentions how they keep him grounded.
Major Achievements and Awards
Clyde Kusatsu received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Asian American Arts Alliance and has been recognized by SAG-AFTRA for his leadership roles. He has also been praised for his advocacy work promoting diversity and equity within the entertainment industry.
Business Ventures
Outside of acting, Kusatsu served as the first elected president of SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local following the merger of SAG and AFTRA. He has focused on labor rights, fair compensation, and health benefits for actors.
Social Media Presence
Clyde Kusatsu maintains a minimal presence on social media, occasionally appearing in industry-related posts or fan tributes. He does not run active personal accounts, consistent with his preference for privacy.
Influence on Pop Culture
From Star Trek to Magnum P.I., Clyde Kusatsu has left a significant imprint on American television pop culture. His characters often reflect authority, intellect, and quiet strength, making him a familiar face for multiple generations.
Contributions to Society
Kusatsu has been a vocal advocate for Asian-American representation in media and labor rights within the entertainment industry. His efforts have contributed to policy changes and greater inclusivity in Hollywood.
Hobbies and Interests
Outside of his professional work, Kusatsu enjoys reading, classical music, and spending quality time with his family. He is also interested in historical and cultural preservation efforts related to Japanese-American heritage.
Challenges and Controversies
Kusatsu has managed to avoid major controversies throughout his long career. He is widely respected for his integrity, discipline, and focus on excellence.
Current Projects and Future Plans
As of 2025, Kusatsu continues to work in television and independent films. He is also involved in mentoring young actors and remains active in industry advocacy.
Clyde Kusatsu Star Trek
Clyde Kusatsu portrayed Vice Admiral Nakamura in Star Trek: The Next Generation, a role that solidified his connection to one of sci-fi’s most iconic franchises. His calm authority and layered performance made Admiral Nakamura a fan-favorite among Star Trek viewers.
Clyde Kusatsu Magnum PI
Kusatsu appeared in several episodes of the original Magnum P.I. as different characters. His roles ranged from detectives to doctors, showcasing his range as a character actor. His appearances contributed to authentic Asian-American representation in 1980s television.
Clyde Kusatsu Wong
Before the MCU’s live-action success, Clyde Kusatsu voiced the character Wong in multiple Marvel animated series. His portrayal offered early representation of Marvel’s Asian characters and demonstrated his voice acting abilities.
Clyde Kusatsu Movies and TV Shows
Clyde Kusatsu’s filmography spans over 50 years and includes hundreds of appearances. Notable entries include Midway, Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story, American Pie, and TV series like MASH*, Magnum P.I., Star Trek, The Young and the Restless, and NCIS.
Legacy and Impact
Clyde Kusatsu’s legacy is defined by cultural breakthrough, professionalism, and sustained excellence. He is regarded as a pioneer for Asian-American actors and continues to inspire new generations through his work.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- He voiced Wong in multiple Marvel animated series before Benedict Wong took on the role in live action.
- He was the first Asian-American to serve in a major leadership role in SAG-AFTRA.
- Appeared in over 300 TV episodes throughout his career.
- Started acting in local Hawaiian theater productions before moving to Chicago.
Conclusion
Clyde Kusatsu is a trailblazer in American television and film. His journey from Honolulu to Hollywood is marked by determination, talent, and a commitment to representation. As he continues to contribute to the entertainment world, his legacy as an actor and advocate remains strong.
FAQs
Q: What is Clyde Kusatsu best known for?
A: He is best known for playing Vice Admiral Nakamura in Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Q: Did Clyde Kusatsu appear in Magnum P.I.?
A: Yes, he played multiple roles in the original Magnum P.I. series.
Q: Who is Clyde Kusatsu’s wife?
A: He is married to Gayle Shuffler.
Q: What are some popular Clyde Kusatsu movies and TV shows?
A: Star Trek: TNG, Magnum P.I., Hawaii Five-O, Kung Fu, and various Marvel animated shows.
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