James Shigeta
James Saburo Shigeta (Japanese: 繁田 三郎; June 17, 1929 – July 28, 2014) was an American actor and singer of Japanese descent. He was noted for his roles in The Crimson Kimono (1959), Walk Like a Dragon (1960), Flower Drum Song (1961), Bridge to the Sun (1961), Die Hard (1988), and Mulan (1998). In 1960, he won the Golden Globe Award for Most Promising Newcomer – Male, along with three other actors.
James Shigeta | |
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Shigeta in a publicity photo for Bridge to the Sun (1961) | |
| Born | James Saburo Shigeta June 17, 1929 Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii, U.S. |
| Died | July 28, 2014 (aged 85) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Resting place | National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific |
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| Alma mater | New York University |
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| Years active | 1950–2009 |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | Traditional pop, big band, jazz |
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| Labels | Toho Records, Choreo Records, Decca, Ava Records |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ | Hawaii National Guard Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1951–1954 |
| Rank | Staff sergeant |
In his early career, Shigeta often played romantic male lead roles, which were almost nonexistent for an actor of Asian descent during his time, making him a trailblazer in Asian American representation in media. The Goldsea Asian-American Daily magazine listed him as one of the "Most Inspiring Asian-Americans of All Time".
Before his Hollywood career he found success as a pop singer and performer abroad, especially in Japan and Australia.