James Shigeta, a prolific and pioneering Asian-American actor whose 50-year career includes the popular movies "Die Hard" and "Flower Drum Song," has died in his sleep in Los Angeles, California on Monday, July 28th, 2014 his agent said. He was 81 years old.
"It is with great sadness that I report the loss of my longtime friend and client," Shigeta's agent said. "James was the biggest East Asian U.S. star the country had known. ... The world has lost another wonderful actor, sadly I lost a dear friend."
James Shigeta, acted on screen with Elvis Presley in the 1966 film "Paradise Hawaiian Style" in the character role of Danny Kohana.
Elvis' character Rick, returns to his home in Hawaii after being fired from his job as an airline pilot. He and his buddy Danny Kohana (James Shigeta) go into the helicopter charter business together. But Rick's reckless flying and his careless negotiations with local women may cost Rick the business and Danny his home. Disaster looms as Danny becomes overdue on a flight after Rick has been grounded by government officials. Rick must decide if he should risk losing his license forever by going to look for his friend.
According to Variety, Shigeta was born in Hawaii and went on to study acting at New York University before joining the Marines. His big-screen debut came with the 1959 crime drama "The Crimson Kimono," in which he played a detective named Joe Kojaku. The next year, the Golden Globes gave the actor the "new star of the year" award.
source: http://www.independent.co.uk and Wikipedia
"It is with great sadness that I report the loss of my longtime friend and client," Shigeta's agent said. "James was the biggest East Asian U.S. star the country had known. ... The world has lost another wonderful actor, sadly I lost a dear friend."
James Shigeta, acted on screen with Elvis Presley in the 1966 film "Paradise Hawaiian Style" in the character role of Danny Kohana.
Elvis' character Rick, returns to his home in Hawaii after being fired from his job as an airline pilot. He and his buddy Danny Kohana (James Shigeta) go into the helicopter charter business together. But Rick's reckless flying and his careless negotiations with local women may cost Rick the business and Danny his home. Disaster looms as Danny becomes overdue on a flight after Rick has been grounded by government officials. Rick must decide if he should risk losing his license forever by going to look for his friend.
According to Variety, Shigeta was born in Hawaii and went on to study acting at New York University before joining the Marines. His big-screen debut came with the 1959 crime drama "The Crimson Kimono," in which he played a detective named Joe Kojaku. The next year, the Golden Globes gave the actor the "new star of the year" award.
source: http://www.independent.co.uk and Wikipedia
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