Reiko Sato (December 19, 1931 – May 28, 1981) was an American dancer and actress.Born in Los Angeles, California, Sato was interned at the Gila River War Relocation Center during World War II. Sato is best known for playing seamstress Helen Chao in the movie Flower Drum Song. After her death in 1981, she was cremated, and half of her ashes were sent to a Buddhist Temple. The other half were sent to be "spirited away" to Marlon Brando's private island. She had performed as the original princess of Ababu in the Broadway production of Kismet, as well as the movie. She was also in the broadway play, Destry Rides Again, having two roles.
Found dead in her bed by Marlon Brando after many days of trying to reach her by long-distance telephone calls.
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Japanese-American actress and tap dancer, daughter of a Zen Buddhist priest. Made her Broadway debut in "Kismet". Under contract to 20th Century Fox from 1950. Friend of actors Marlon Brando and Wally Cox. Died in her sleep, aged 49 in L.A..