Tetsuro Tamba

Tetsuro Tamba

Deceased · Born: Jul 17, 1922 · Died: Sep 24, 2006

Personal Details

Height5' 8"
BornJul 17, 1922 Tokyo, Japan
Spouse
  • Hoki

    ( Jan 1, 1977 to Apr 1, 2006 )
  • ?

    ( May 1, 1965 to Aug 5, 1975 )
  • ?

    ( Apr 5, 1955 to Jul 4, 1960 )

Biography

Tetsuro Tamba, a highly acclaimed and esteemed Japanese thespian, has made a profound and lasting impact on the global cinematic landscape, skillfully navigating a remarkable five-decade-long career marked by an extraordinary breadth of acting prowess and versatility.

Tamba's life began on a sweltering summer day, July 17, 1922, a date that would mark the start of a remarkable journey. As a young individual, he found himself immersed in a unique and influential role, serving as an interpreter for the Allied Powers' Supreme Commander. This early occupation not only honed his skills but also provided a solid foundation for the future achievements that would soon follow.

Notable Japanese actor, Tamba Tetsurō, embarked upon a remarkable journey in the world of entertainment after receiving his academic degree from the esteemed Chuo University in the year 1948. Subsequently, he affiliated himself with the renowned Shintoho company, paving the way for his inaugural appearance on the silver screen in the 1951 cinematic production, Satsujin Yougishain.

Tamba's international acclaim was solidified through his unforgettable depiction of the enigmatic and formidable Tiger Tanaka in the 1967 cinematic masterpiece, "You Only Live Twice", a role that effortlessly traversed linguistic and cultural barriers, leaving an indelible mark on the global consciousness.

Tamba's cinematic repertoire boasts a diverse array of performances, with his iconic portrayal of a Bond villain serving as just one highlight of his extensive filmography.

Tamba's professional trajectory in Japan was marked by widespread success, as he effortlessly assumed the leading role in a plethora of influential police dramas, including the highly acclaimed "Key Hunter" and "G-Men '75", thereby cementing his reputation as a beloved and ubiquitous figure in Japanese entertainment, transcending the boundaries of his craft to become an integral part of the nation's cultural fabric.

Tamba's multifaceted talents transcended the realm of cinematic excellence, as he effortlessly adapted his impressive vocal range to bring to life the enigmatic Cat King in Studio Ghibli's enchanting animated masterpiece, "The Cat Returns". Furthermore, his impressive acting prowess extended beyond the world of film, as he made significant contributions to historical television dramas, leaving an indelible mark on period pieces that would be remembered for generations to come.

Tamba Hoshi, a renowned figure in the realm of cinema, persevered in his creative endeavors despite the onset of health issues in the year 2005. His unwavering dedication to his craft remained steadfast until the very end of his illustrious career.

Tamba's remarkable journey came to a sorrowful close on September 24, 2006, in Tokyo, when he succumbed to the devastating effects of pneumonia at the ripe age of 84.

The remarkable and lasting influence of Tamba's remarkable career can be seen in the continued success of his son, the talented actor Yoshitaka Tamba, who has proudly carried on his father's legacy in the entertainment industry.

In a poignant testament to Tamba's enduring impact on Japanese cinema and beyond, his final appearances on screen can be seen in the 2005 Taiga drama "Yoshitsune" and the 2006 film "Sinking of Japan", a fitting tribute to a man who left an indelible mark on the world of film.

Through his tireless efforts and dedication to his craft, Tamba's legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences to this day, a true testament to his lasting impact on the world of Japanese cinema and beyond.

Career

{"id":120741,"title":"Yakuza Horror Theater: Gozu","year":"2003","character":"","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/yakuza-horror-theater-gozu","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_120741.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_120741.jpg"},"released":1}
2003
{"id":225578,"title":"The Happiness of the Katakuris","year":"2002","character":"Grandpa Jinpei Katakuri","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-happiness-of-the-katakuris","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_225578.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_225578.jpg"},"released":1}
2002
The Happiness of the Katakuris
The Happiness of the Katakuris as Grandpa Jinpei Katakuri
{"id":221362,"title":"Graveyard of Honor","year":"2002","character":"Tetsuji Tokura","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/graveyard-of-honor-2002","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_221362.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_221362.jpg"},"released":1}
Graveyard of Honor
Graveyard of Honor as Tetsuji Tokura
{"id":84799,"title":"Best Ever Bond","year":"2002","character":"Tiger Tanaka (archive footage) (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/best-ever-bond","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_84799.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_84799.jpg"},"released":1}
Best Ever Bond
Best Ever Bond as Tiger Tanaka (archive footage) (uncredited)
{"id":53245,"title":"Bond Girls Are Forever","year":"2002","character":"Tiger Tanaka (archive footage) (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/bond-girls-are-forever","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_53245.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_53245.jpg"},"released":1}
Bond Girls Are Forever
Bond Girls Are Forever as Tiger Tanaka (archive footage) (uncredited)
{"id":35088,"title":"The Twilight Samurai","year":"2002","character":"Tozaemon Iguchi","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-twilight-samurai","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_35088.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_35088.jpg"},"released":1}
The Twilight Samurai
The Twilight Samurai as Tozaemon Iguchi
{"id":12239,"title":"The Cat Returns","year":"2002","character":"Cat King (voice)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-cat-returns","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/5ucuvo4pihi0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/5ucuvo4pihi0.jpg"},"released":1}
The Cat Returns
The Cat Returns as Cat King (voice)
{"id":229801,"title":"Kureyon Shinchan: Bakuhatsu! Onsen Wakuwaku Daikessen","year":"1999","character":"Tamba (voice)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/kureyon-shinchan-bakuhatsu-onsen-wakuwaku-daikessen","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_229801.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_229801.jpg"},"released":1}
1999
{"id":11171,"title":"Story of Ricky","year":"1991","character":"Master Zhang","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/story-of-ricky","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_11171.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_11171.jpg"},"released":1}
1991
Story of Ricky
Story of Ricky as Master Zhang
{"id":220498,"title":"Heat Wave","year":"1991","character":"Denkichi Tsuzaki","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/heat-wave-1991","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_220498.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_220498.jpg"},"released":1}
Heat Wave
Heat Wave as Denkichi Tsuzaki
{"id":226577,"title":"Sh\u00f4gun Iemitsu no ranshin - Gekitotsu","year":"1989","character":"Hotta Masamori","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/shogun-iemitsu-no-ranshin-gekitotsu","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_226577.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_226577.jpg"},"released":1}
1989
{"id":61119,"title":"Tokyo Pop","year":"1988","character":"Mr. Dota","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/tokyo-pop","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_61119.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_61119.jpg"},"released":1}
1988
Tokyo Pop
Tokyo Pop as Mr. Dota
{"id":224350,"title":"A Taxing Woman's Return","year":"1988","character":"Sadohara","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/a-taxing-womans-return","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_224350.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_224350.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":226936,"title":"Twilight of the Cockroaches","year":"1987","character":"Grandpa (voice)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/twilight-of-the-cockroaches","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_226936.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_226936.jpg"},"released":1}
1987
{"id":225373,"title":"Samurai Reincarnation","year":"1981","character":"Muramasa","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/samurai-reincarnation","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_225373.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_225373.jpg"},"released":1}
1981
{"id":63324,"title":"The Bushido Blade","year":"1981","character":"Lord Yamato","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-bushido-blade","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_63324.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_63324.jpg"},"released":1}
The Bushido Blade
The Bushido Blade as Lord Yamato
{"id":218775,"title":"Ninja bugeicho momochi sandayu","year":"1980","character":"Tozawa Hakuunsai","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/ninja-bugeicho-momochi-sandayu","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_218775.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_218775.jpg"},"released":1}
1980
{"id":119399,"title":"Hunter in the Dark","year":"1979","character":"Okitsugu Tanuma","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/hunter-in-the-dark","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_119399.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_119399.jpg"},"released":1}
1979
Hunter in the Dark
Hunter in the Dark as Okitsugu Tanuma
{"id":26777,"title":"Message from Space","year":"1978","character":"Ernest Noguchi","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/message-from-space","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_26777.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_26777.jpg"},"released":1}
1978
Message from Space
Message from Space as Ernest Noguchi
{"id":224181,"title":"The Fall of Ako Castle","year":"1978","character":"Yanagisawa","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-fall-of-ako-castle","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_224181.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_224181.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":204711,"title":"High Seas Hijack","year":"1977","character":"Captain Munekata","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/high-seas-hijack","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_204711.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_204711.jpg"},"released":1}
1977
High Seas Hijack
High Seas Hijack as Captain Munekata
{"id":164177,"title":"Seven Nights in Japan","year":"1976","character":"Terrorist Leader (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/seven-nights-in-japan","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_164177.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_164177.jpg"},"released":1}
1976
Seven Nights in Japan
Seven Nights in Japan as Terrorist Leader (uncredited)
{"id":226615,"title":"Bullet Train","year":"1975","character":"Sunaga","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/bullet-train-1975","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_226615.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_226615.jpg"},"released":1}
1975
{"id":222208,"title":"Dong kai ji","year":"1975","character":"Lu Chun I","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/dong-kai-ji","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_222208.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_222208.jpg"},"released":1}
Dong kai ji
Dong kai ji as Lu Chun I
{"id":109922,"title":"The Tattooed Hitman","year":"1974","character":"","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-tattooed-hitman","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_109922.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_109922.jpg"},"released":1}
1974
{"id":225870,"title":"The Castle of Sand","year":"1974","character":"Eitaro Imanishi","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-castle-of-sand","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_225870.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_225870.jpg"},"released":1}
The Castle of Sand
The Castle of Sand as Eitaro Imanishi
{"id":224757,"title":"Proxy War","year":"1973","character":"Tatsuo Akashi","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/proxy-war","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_224757.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_224757.jpg"},"released":1}
1973
Proxy War
Proxy War as Tatsuo Akashi
{"id":223682,"title":"Battles Without Honor and Humanity","year":"1973","character":"","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/battles-without-honor-and-humanity","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_223682.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_223682.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":125501,"title":"Seven Blows of the Dragon","year":"1972","character":"Jade Unicorn Lu Chun I","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/seven-blows-of-the-dragon","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_125501.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_125501.jpg"},"released":1}
1972
Seven Blows of the Dragon
Seven Blows of the Dragon as Jade Unicorn Lu Chun I
{"id":64940,"title":"Chinmoku","year":"1971","character":"Crist\u00f3v\u00e3o Ferreira","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/chinmoku","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_64940.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_64940.jpg"},"released":1}
1971
Chinmoku
Chinmoku as Cristóvão Ferreira
{"id":110921,"title":"The 5-Man Army","year":"1969","character":"Samurai","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-5-man-army","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/5it3l7akj180.jpeg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/5it3l7akj180.jpeg"},"released":1}
1969
{"id":6080,"title":"You Only Live Twice","year":"1967","character":"Tiger Tanaka","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/you-only-live-twice","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/494g5n663fj0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/494g5n663fj0.jpg"},"released":1}
1967
You Only Live Twice
You Only Live Twice as Tiger Tanaka
{"id":101062,"title":"Tange Sazen: Hien iaigiri","year":"1966","character":"Lord Yagyu Tsushima","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/tange-sazen-hien-iaigiri","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_101062.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_101062.jpg"},"released":1}
1966
Tange Sazen: Hien iaigiri
Tange Sazen: Hien iaigiri as Lord Yagyu Tsushima
{"id":133736,"title":"Samurai Spy","year":"1965","character":"Sakon Takatani","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/samurai-spy","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_133736.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_133736.jpg"},"released":1}
1965
Samurai Spy
Samurai Spy as Sakon Takatani
{"id":168082,"title":"The 7th Dawn","year":"1964","character":"Ng","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-7th-dawn","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_168082.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_168082.jpg"},"released":1}
1964
{"id":133656,"title":"Three Outlaw Samurai","year":"1964","character":"Sakon Shiba","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/three-outlaw-samurai","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_133656.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_133656.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":220212,"title":"Kwaidan","year":"1964","character":"Warrior (segment \"Hoichi the Earless\")","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/kwaidan","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/550d4908t8b0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/550d4908t8b0.jpg"},"released":1}
Kwaidan
Kwaidan as Warrior (segment "Hoichi the Earless")
{"id":220543,"title":"J\u00fbsan-nin no shikaku","year":"1963","character":"","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/jusan-nin-no-shikaku","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_220543.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_220543.jpg"},"released":1}
1963
{"id":26942,"title":"Harakiri","year":"1962","character":"Hikokuro Omodaka","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/harakiri-1962","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/6eaf19ke5oh0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/6eaf19ke5oh0.jpg"},"released":1}
1962
Harakiri
Harakiri as Hikokuro Omodaka
{"id":94594,"title":"Bridge to the Sun","year":"1961","character":"Jiro","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/bridge-to-the-sun","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_94594.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_94594.jpg"},"released":1}
1961
{"id":66067,"title":"Pigs and Battleships","year":"1961","character":"Slasher Tetsuji","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/pigs-and-battleships","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_66067.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_66067.jpg"},"released":1}
Pigs and Battleships
Pigs and Battleships as Slasher Tetsuji