Characterized by his large stature and tendency to wear sunglasses in many of his roles, Yusuf was born in the Ottoman Empire in 1920 and moved to Japan prior to World War II, earning permanent residence. As a foreigner fluent in Japanese, Yusuf became a valuable supporting actor in Japanese productions. Yusuf also worked as an interpreter for Toho along with fellow actor . Yusuf's younger brother, Omar "Turk" Yusuf, was also a professional wrestler and actor in Japan. Osman Yusuf died on August 29, 1982, at the age of 62.