Ken Takakura

Ken Takakura
高倉 健
Born
Goichi Oda

(1931-02-16)February 16, 1931
DiedNovember 10, 2014(2014-11-10) (aged 83)
Tokyo, Japan
Alma materMeiji University
OccupationActor
Years active1956–2014
Height1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Spouse
(m. 1959; div. 1971)

Ken Takakura (Japanese: 高倉 健, Hepburn: Takakura Ken), born Goichi Oda (小田 剛一, Oda Gōichi, February 16, 1931 – November 10, 2014), was a Japanese actor and singer who appeared in over 200 films. Affectionately referred to as "Ken-san" by audiences, he was best known for his brooding style and the stoic presence he brought to his roles.[1] He won the Japan Academy Prize for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role four times, more than any other actor.[2] Takakura additionally received the Japanese Medal of Honor with purple ribbon in 1998, the Person of Cultural Merit award in 2006, and the Order of Culture in 2013.

  1. ^ Thomas, Kevin (13 October 1989). "Takakura: 'Black Rain' Star Finds His Place in the Sun : Movies: The veteran of nearly 200 Japanese films is likely to gain greater international fame from this one, atypical performance". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference nippon.com obit was invoked but never defined (see the help page).