Nobu McCarthy (nee Atsumi), born in Ottawa, Ontario, was an actress, stage director and fashion model. Her father, Masaji Atsumi, was a fashion designer in Japan and a diplomatic attaché stationed in Canada when Nobu was born. She was raised in Japan where she studied ballet.
While living in Los Angeles, she was discovered in Little Tokyo, which led to a movie career from 1958 to 1986. She appeared in notable roles in the Karate Kid, Part II and Farewell to Manzanar. She also appeared on several television shows.
She was artistic director of the Asian American theater company, The East West Players until 1993.
She died in Brazil while on location for a movie starring Tamlyn Tomita.
