Mako Japanese American actor Date of Birth: 10.12.1933 Country: USA

Biography of Mako

Mako, an American actor of Japanese descent, was born on December 10, 1933, in the port city of Kobe on Honshu Island, Japan. His birth name was Makoto, but he was often credited simply as Mako. His parents moved to the United States to study art when he was very young, and Mako remained in Japan with his grandparents. He reunited with his parents after the end of World War II in 1949.

In the early 1950s, Mako served in the army and obtained American citizenship in 1959. Initially studying architecture, he discovered his acting abilities during his military service. After being discharged, he attended the Pasadena Community Playhouse School of Theater to pursue his passion for acting.

Mako made his film debut at the age of 26 in the adventure film "Never So Few" (1959) alongside Frank Sinatra, Gina Lollobrigida, Peter Lawford, and Steve McQueen. Over the next few years, he appeared in various television series before co-founding the East West Players, one of the oldest Asian American theater companies in Los Angeles. Mako served as the artistic director of the company until 1989.

Throughout his career, Mako played a wide range of roles, including the voice of Aku in the animated series "Samurai Jack," Splinter in "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," and Iroh in "Avatar: The Last Airbender." He also appeared in films such as "Sidekicks" with Chuck Norris, Jonathan Brandis, and Beau Bridges.

Mako received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the war film "The Sand Pebbles" (1966). He often portrayed military personnel, villains, and wise mentors. His other notable film roles include Moon Kanahele in "The Hawaiians" (1970), Nakan in "The Killer Elite," and Nakano in "Highlander III: The Final Dimension."

In addition to his film and television work, Mako was a successful theater actor, primarily performing in Los Angeles but also receiving invitations from Broadway directors. He was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to the film industry. Mako was a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Mako was married to actress and choreographer Shizuko Hoshi, and they had two daughters, Sala and Mimosa, who later became actresses. He passed away on July 21, 2006, at the age of 72, in California, from esophageal cancer. Despite his illness, Mako had completed his voice work for the fourth "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" film, which was released in 2007 as a tribute to him.

His legacy lives on in various works, including the episode "Tales of Ba Sing Se" in the animated series "Avatar: The Last Airbender," which was dedicated to Mako and featured his voice as Iroh. Mako was fondly remembered by fans and respected for his contributions to the entertainment industry.

Unfortunately, a controversy arose when comedian Doug Walker criticized Mako's voice in "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" and made derogatory comments. It was later revealed that Mako had passed away from cancer, leading to widespread condemnation of Walker's remarks. The comedian was forced to apologize in his next performance but did so in a veiled mocking manner.