Born in Tokyo, Gerri Sorrells is credited with being an original "bi-lin gal" who used two languages in her first work for NHK TV. At the time she was still an undergraduate student in the International Division of Sophia University, Tokyo. Undertaking outside professional work while she was studying for her degree indicates the capacity for output she had then. Thirty years on, still little and vigorous and still maintaining her pace, she has behind her a body of work testifying to her unflagging energy and ability.
Gerri has American nationality from parents who were in Tokyo in Occupation days. She calls herself one of the "leftover troops of the Occupation." From her mother, a Japanese-American from California, she has a Japanese heritage. Gerri attended military schools on American bases from elementary level through to high school graduation. For one year she attended the University of Maryland. Then she went to college and acting school in America, but "trying to fit into American society was a short, harrowing experience," she said.
"I came back to Japan to enroll at Sophia University," Gerri reported. "As my mother said: 'Gerri, you know you're never going to be the beautiful blonde heroine. Get your college diploma first. You can be a character actress at any age.' "