Tetsuro Tamba
Acting
Born: Jul 17, 1922 — Died: Sep 24, 2006
From: Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
Credits: 30 titles
Biography
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 …
Filmography
| Title | Character | Year | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demon Pond | 2005 | 6.6 | |
| Gozu | 2003 | 6.773 | |
| Deadly Outlaw: Rekka | Sanada | 2002 | 6.597 |
| The Cat Returns | Cat King (voice) | 2002 | 7.126 |
| The Happiness of the Katakuris | Granpa Jinpei Katakuri | 2002 | 6.932 |
| Minamoto Yoshitsune | 1991 | 5.0 | |
| Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky | Master Zhang | 1991 | 6.878 |
| 13 Assassins | 1990 | 7.0 | |
| 長七郎江戸日記スペシャル 長七郎 大奥まかり通る | 1989 | — | |
| Hunter in the Dark | Okitsugu Tanuma | 1979 | 6.3 |
| The Castle of Sand | Detective Eitaro Imanishi | 1974 | 7.368 |
| Zero Woman: Red Handcuffs | Nagumo | 1974 | 6.535 |
| Violent Streets | Shimamura Kansai | 1974 | 6.722 |
| The Water Margin | Jade Unicorn, Lu Chun I | 1972 | 6.935 |
| Under the Flag of the Rising Sun | Sergeant Katsuo Togashi | 1972 | 7.534 |
| The Wolves | Genryu Asakura | 1971 | 7.523 |
| King of Pornography | 1971 | 5.9 | |
| Cherry Blossoms in the Air - The Suicide Raiders - Oh, Buddies! | 1970 | 9.0 | |
| The 5-Man Army | Samurai | 1969 | 6.615 |
| You Only Live Twice | Tiger Tanaka | 1967 | 6.586 |
| Hawk of the Harbour | 1967 | 9.0 | |
| Spycatcher J3: SOS Close Shave | J1 (TULIP Japan Branch Chief) | 1966 | 6.0 |
| Kwaidan | Warrior (segment "Hoichi the Earless") | 1965 | 7.722 |
| Tokyo Untouchable | Goro Kawamoto | 1965 | 7.0 |
| Samurai Spy | Sakon Takatani | 1965 | 6.423 |
| Tokyo Gang vs. Hong Kong Gang | 1964 | 10.0 | |
| Futari dake no toride | 1963 | 9.0 | |
| Operation Diamond | Kazuo Kasami | 1962 | 9.0 |
| South Pacific Waves Are High | 1962 | — | |
| Pigs and Battleships | Slasher Tetsuji | 1961 | 7.125 |
| Known for | Acting |
| Credits | 30 |
| Born | 1922 |
| From | Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan |