Japanese actor and digital effects artist Masayori Oka was born on December 27, 1974 in Tokyo, Japan. His parents separated when he was six months old; he and his mother moved to New York City when he was six years old. He has occasional appearances in different media: he appeared on the CBS game show Child’s Play at age 8, and appeared on the cover of Time magazine in 1987, despite not being featured in the cover article itself, because the photographer knew him. He went on to graduate from Brown University in 1997, with degrees in computer science and mathematics.
Oka first worked as a digital effects artist for George Lucas’ Industrial Light and Magic, hoping to get an Oscar for his work in special effects. He co-developed a computer program that generated water effects; this was first used in the film A Perfect Storm. He also worked for films such as Mighty Joe Young, Hulk, War of the Worlds and the Star Wars prequel, working up the ranks.
In 2000, Oka tried his hand at acting. After appearing in some industry films, he aimed to get cast in a television pilot. He did get a role, but the pilot itself was unsuccessful; this was enough, however, for him to be allowed by ILM to work in Los Angeles. He played several guest roles in shows such as Dharma & Greg, Gilmore Girls, Yes, Dear and Still Standing, before getting a recurring role on the comedy Scrubs, as nerdy lab assistant Franklyn. He also appeared in films such as Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde, Along Came Polly, Austin Powers in Goldmember and Balls of Fury.
In 2006, Oka got his biggest break in acting when he got the role of Hiro Nakamura in the television series Heroes. His character, one of the last developed before the show’s premiere, can travel through and manipulate time, as well as teleport. He was also developed as one of the few characters who are happy with their powers. For this, he was nominated a Golden Globe Award for best supporting actor in 2006.
Also voicing characters in Seth Green’s animated stop-motion series Robot Chicken, Masi Oka has appeared in other series. Some of these are Reno 911!, Joey, The Loop and Reba. He has also been seen in 2008’s Get Smart, with Steve Carrell and Anne Hathaway.
Exclusive Video Interview with 'Heroes' Star Masi Oka