Person
Tetsuro Tamba
Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
Tetsuro Tamba (July 17, 1922 – September 24, 2006) was a distinguished Japanese actor known for his versatile talent across five decades. Recognized globally for his portrayal of…
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Tetsuro Tamba (July 17, 1922 – September 24, 2006) was a distinguished Japanese actor known for his versatile talent across five decades. Recognized globally for his portrayal of Tiger Tanaka in the iconic 1967 James Bond film "You Only Live Twice," Tamba's cinematic journey was a remarkable blend of cultural bridges. Before embarking on his acting career, Tamba worked as an interpreter for the Allied Powers' Supreme Commander. Graduating from Chuo University in 1948, he later joined Shintoho company, making his debut in the film Satsujin Yougishain in 1951. Tamba's impact on Western audiences extended beyond Bond, with standout performances in films like Bridge to the Sun and The 7th Dawn. He earned acclaim in Japan as well, most notably as the lead in police dramas like Key Hunter and G-Men '75. His talents weren't confined to the screen alone. Tamba lent his voice to characters like the Cat King in Studio Ghibli's The Cat Returns and graced historical roles in television dramas, leaving an indelible mark on period pieces. In 2005, Tamba faced health challenges but continued to contribute until the end. Sadly, he passed away in Tokyo at 84 due to pneumonia on September 24, 2006. His legacy lives on through his son, actor Yoshitaka Tamba, while his last appearances in the 2005 Taiga drama Yoshitsune and the 2006 film Sinking of Japan remain a testament to his enduring impact on Japanese cinema and beyond.
Filmography
Movies and shows, newest first
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2006
Teruo Ishii Fan Club
Movie
-
2005
Demon Pond
Movie
-
2005
Yoshitsune
TV show Minamoto no Yorimasa (Gen-ji)
- 2004
-
2004
The Thousand Year Fire
Movie
- 2004
-
2003
Yumemiru Budo
TV show
-
2003
Gozu
Movie
-
2003
Yakuza Demon
Movie Michitane Tendou
- 2003
-
2003
T.R.Y.
Movie
-
2002
Shura Group Part 2
Movie
-
2002
The Twilight Samurai
Movie Tozaemon Iguchi
-
2002
Deadly Outlaw: Rekka
Movie Sanada
-
2002
The Cat Returns
Movie Cat King (voice)
-
2002
Graveyard of Honor
Movie Tetsuji Tokura
More credits
-
2002
The Happiness of the Katakuris
Movie Granpa Jinpei Katakuri
-
2002
Shura Group
Movie
-
2002
Toshiie and Matsu
TV show Tarozaemon Iguchi
-
2002
Shura Group Part 1
Movie
- 2001
- 2001
-
2001
修羅のみち
Movie
- 2001
-
2000
Sakuya: The Slayer of Demons
Movie Old Master
-
2000
A Class to Remember IV: Fifteen
Movie Tetsuo Hatake
-
2000
The Stupid Teacher
Movie Utaemon Baba
-
1999
Japanese Hell
Movie Asu Shino
-
1999
The Veteran Trio
TV show Inui Sanshiro
-
1999
Jubaku: Spellbound
Movie Tajiro Kawakami
-
1999
Crayon Shin-chan: Explosion! The Hot Spring's Feel Good Final Battle
Movie Tamba (voice)
-
1998
Screwed
Movie Landlord
-
1997
The Peking Man
Movie Osone
-
1997
Kaseifu wa mita!
TV show
- 1997
-
1995
Hashiran ka!
TV show 前田米吉
-
1995
Gokenin Zankuro
TV show
- 1994
-
1994
Coming Home
TV show Shirota Fukuzo
- 1994
