J. Harry Benrimo

Joseph Henry McAlpin Benrimo, often referred to as just Benrimo or as J. Harry Benrimo, (21 June 1870 – 26 March 1942) was an American actor, playwright, and director. Williams College scholar and professor of music W. Anthony Sheppard stated that Benrimo was a "central and versatile figure in Orientalist theater." With George Cochrane Hazelton he co-authored the landmark orientalist drama ''The Yellow Jacket'' (1912), and with Harrison Rhodes he co-authored the play ''The Willow Tree'' (1917) which was based on a Japanese legend. The latter drama was made into a novel in 1918, a film in 1920, and the operetta ''Cherry Blossoms'' (1927).

Benrimo began his career as a stage actor in California in 1892; working predominantly in San Francisco over the next five years in repertory theatre. In 1897 he created the Chinese character of Hop-Kee in the world premiere of Francis Powers's ''The First Born'' at its premiere. David Belasco brought Benrimo to Broadway that same year in ''The First Born''. He remained a prolific actor on Broadway through 1912. While he played a variety of roles, he found particular success portraying a Japanese character in Belasco's ''The Darling of the Gods'' (1902-1904) and a Native American character in ''The Girl of the Golden West'' (1905-1908).

Benrimo was active as a director on Broadway from 1914-1931. He directed ''The Blue Paradise'' in its original production at the Casino Theatre beginning in August 1915. He also staged the musical comedy operetta ''The Well of Romance'' in 1930. Provided by Wikipedia