Trivia

Enlisted in the Marine Corps at the beginning of the Korean War. He rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant.

The first Asian-American to crack the old Hollywood studio star system, albeit briefly, groomed as a romantic leading man.

Speaks fluent Japanese, French and Italian.

Upon his death, he was laid to rest at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii, Plot: Section C12TT, Row 300, Site 312.

The Monday, September 1, 2014, issue of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported by Rob Shikina that services were held on Sunday, August 31, 2014, at Hosoi Garden Mortuary in Nuuanu and also reported that "Shigeta, a Marine during the Korean War, will be inurned in a private ceremony Tuesday at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl".

On April 18, 2005, he was awarded a Visionary Award from East West Players, the nation's premier Asian American theatre organization.

One of six children born to a Honolulu contractor, he was educated at New York University where he majored in English.

Chosen by Goldsea Asian American Daily as one of the "100 Most Inspiring Asian Americans of All Time".

Discovered as a singer by TV's Ted Mack & the Original Amateur Hour (1948), where he won first place and an annual scholarship prize. This led to Vegas and nightclub appearances. Pat Boone and Ann-Margret are other celebrities who benefited from Ted Mack's popular show.

His publicist was Jeffrey Leavitt.