Ken Takakura

Ken Takakura – Full Biography, Career, Life Story & Achievements

Name	Ken Takakura
Birthday	Mon Feb 16 1931
Gender	Male
Place of Birth	Nakama, Fukuoka, Japan
Known For	Acting
Also Known As	Goichi Oda, 高仓健, Кэн Такакура, کن تاکاکورا, 小田剛一, Takeichi Oda
Popularity	2.5551
IMDB ID	nm0847264
Death Date	Mon Nov 10 2014

Biography

Ken Takakura (高倉 健, Takakura Ken), born Gouichi Oda (February 16, 1931, in Kitakyūshū, Fukuoka, Japan), was a Japanese actor best known for his brooding style and the stoic presence he brings to his roles. Takakura gained his streetwise swagger and tough-guy persona watching yakuza turf battles over the lucrative black market and racketeering in postwar Fukuoka. This subject was covered in one of his most famous movies, Showa Zankyo-den (Remnants of Chivalry in the Showa Era), in which he played an honorable old-school yakuza among the violent post-war gurentai. A graduate of Meiji University in Tokyo Takakura happened by an audition in 1955 at the Toei Film Company, and decided to look in. Toei found a natural in Takakura as he debuted with Denko Karate Uchi (Lightning Karate Blow) in 1956. Japan experienced a boom in gangster films in the 1960s as the Japanese people struggled with the generational differences between those raised in pre-war and post-war Japan and these were Takakura's stock and trade. His breakout role would be in the 1965 film Abashiri Prison, and its sequel Abashiri Bangaichi: Bokyohen (Abashiri Prison: Longing for Home, also 1965), in which he played an ex-con antihero. By the time Takakura would leave Toei in 1976, he had appeared in over 180 films. Takakura gained international recognition after starring in the 1970 war film Too Late the Hero as the cunning Imperial Japanese Major Yamaguchi, the 1975 Sydney Pollack sleeper hit The Yakuza with Robert Mitchum and is probably best known in the West for his role in Ridley Scott's Black Rain (1989) where he surprises American cops played by Michael Douglas and Andy García with the line, "I do speak fucking English". He again proved himself bankable to Western audiences with the 1992 Fred Schepisi comedy Mr. Baseball starring Tom Selleck. While he has slowed down a bit in his older years, he is still active. His most recent film was the 2005 Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles by Chinese director Zhang Yimou. Description above from the Wikipedia article Ken Takakura, licensed under CC-BY-SA,full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

Early Life

Ken Takakura was born in Nakama, Fukuoka, Japan and showed interest in the arts from a young age. Their journey into the entertainment industry began with early training, auditions, and small roles that laid the foundation for a remarkable career. Over time, their dedication, passion, and natural ability allowed them to rise into mainstream recognition.

Career Summary

Throughout their career, Ken Takakura has worked across multiple film genres and creative spaces, collaborating with renowned directors, producers, and co-stars. Their performances have often been praised for emotional depth, versatility, and commitment to characterization. Over the years, they have contributed to some of the highest-grossing and critically acclaimed works in the industry.

Achievements & Recognition

Over the years, Ken Takakura has earned numerous accolades for their outstanding performances, including nominations and wins across prestigious award platforms. Their influence extends beyond acting, contributing to cultural conversations, brand endorsements, and charitable causes.

Known For

Ken Takakura is widely recognized for their contributions in the field of Acting, building a legacy that continues to inspire fans worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is Ken Takakura?
Ken Takakura is a renowned personality known for their work in Acting.

2. Where was Ken Takakura born?
They were born in Nakama, Fukuoka, Japan.

3. What is Ken Takakura known for?
They are best known for their achievements in Acting.

4. When is Ken Takakura's birthday?
Mon Feb 16 1931

5. What awards has Ken Takakura received?
They have earned several awards and nominations for their exceptional performances.

6. What are some famous works of Ken Takakura?
They are associated with multiple critically acclaimed and popular projects across genres.

7. Is Ken Takakura active today?
Yes, they continue to work actively in various creative fields.

8. Does Ken Takakura support any charities?
Yes, they are known for involvement in social causes and charitable initiatives.

9. What are Ken Takakura's alternate names?
They are also known as Goichi Oda, 高仓健, Кэн Такакура, کن تاکاکورا, 小田剛一, Takeichi Oda.

10. How popular is Ken Takakura?
They hold a popularity rating of 2.5551, reflecting global recognition.