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Mako (I) (1933–2006)

Actor | Soundtrack

Born in Japan, Mako was living there with his grandparents while his parents studied art in the United States, when Japan and the U.S. went to war in 1941. His parents remained in the U.S., working for the Office of War Information, and, at the cessation of the conflict, were granted U.S. residency by Congress... See full bio »

Born:

Makoto Iwamatsu
in Kobe, Japan

Died:

(age 72) in Somis, California, USA
More at IMDbPro » Contact Info on IMDbPro Contact Info: View manager
Still of Mako in RoboCop 3 Still of Mako in The Hawaiians Still of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Grace Jones, Mako and Tracey Walter in Conan the Destroyer Still of Charlton Heston and Mako in The Hawaiians Mako & Producer/Director Amin Q. Chaudhri at the World Premiere of his Still of Mako in The Wash
8 photos | 51 videos | 33 news articles »

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Franklin Ojeda Smith - -- "...back in the day the 'barb wire' was more visible" and early on I chose baseball over acting; then academia and not baseball. Now,"...the kids are grown, the dog is dead and now that I may, I choose acting." Please take a look: 1)Boardwalk Empire - Deacon Cuffy 2)Murder Incorporated - Sam Christenson 3)Cayman Went - Aniston Turnkey 4)Letting Go -Therapist 5)Footsteps in the Sand - Jim. Thank You! Franklin

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Christopher Mann's Theatrical Demo Reel -- This reel contains Christopher performing in Film and Television. The clips included are from the following: "The Boundary", "The Wire", "Duplicity", "Law & Order(SVU)", "Michael Clayton", "Cost Of A Soul", "HEROES" and "Law & Order (CI)".

Christopher Mann's Theatrical Demo Reel


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Nominated for Oscar. Another 2 wins & 1 nomination See more awards »

Known For


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Filmography

Hide HideActor (153 titles)
2005-2007 Avatar: The Last Airbender (TV series)
Uncle Iroh / Additional Voices / Red Dragon
– The Awakening (2007) … Uncle Iroh (voice)
– The Crossroads of Destiny (2006) … Uncle Iroh (voice)
– The Guru (2006) … Uncle Iroh (voice)
– The Earth King (2006) … Uncle Iroh (voice) / Red Dragon (voice)
– Lake Laogai (2006) … Uncle Iroh (voice)
See all 32 episodes »
 
2007 Rise: Blood Hunter
Poe
 
2007 TMNT
Splinter (voice)
 
2005 Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go! (TV series)
Master Offay
– Monster Battle Club Now! (2005) … Master Offay (voice)
 
2005 Memoirs of a Geisha
Sakamoto
 
2003-2005 Duck Dodgers (TV series)
Happy Cat / Achoo
– Bonafide Hero: Captain Duck Dodgers (2005) … Happy Cat (voice)
– Surf the Stars/Samurai Quack (2005) … Happy Cat (voice) / Achoo (voice)
– Queen Is Wild, The/Back to the Academy (2003) … Happy Cat (voice) (uncredited)
– Hooray for Hollywood Planet (2003) … Happy Cat (voice)
 
2005 Cages
Tan
 
2005 Sokoku (TV movie)
Leo (as Mako Wakamatsu)
 
2005 Genndy's Scrapbook (video short)
Narrator (voice) (uncredited)
 
2005 The West Wing (TV series)
Dr. Yosh Takahashi
– A Good Day (2005) … Dr. Yosh Takahashi
 
2005 Monk (TV series)
Master Zi
– Mr. Monk vs. the Cobra (2005) … Master Zi
 
2004 The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy (TV series)
Narrator
– Test of Time/A Kick in the Asgard (2004) … Narrator (voice)
 
2001-2004 Samurai Jack (TV series)
Aku / Hermit
– Seasons of Death (2004) … Aku (voice)
– Jack Versus Aku (2003) … Aku (voice)
– Jack and the Flying Prince and Princess (2003) … Aku (voice)
– The Aku Infection (2003) … Aku (voice)
– The Birth of Evil: Part 1 (2003) … Aku (voice)
See all 23 episodes »
 
2004 Samurai Jack: The Shadow of Aku (Video Game)
Aku (voice)
 
2003 Secret Weapons Over Normandy (Video Game)
Imperial Japanese Voices #1 (voice)
 
2003 Medal of Honor: Rising Sun (Video Game)
Masataka Shima (voice)
 
2003 True Crime: Streets of LA (Video Game)
General Kim (voice)
 
2003 Bus Story (short)
Father Christmas
 
2003 Charmed (TV series)
Sorcerer
– Love's a Witch (2003) … Sorcerer
 
2003 What's New, Scooby-Doo? (TV series)
The Ancient One
– Big Appetite in Little Tokyo (2003) … The Ancient One (voice)
 
2003 Lionheart: Legacy of the Crusader (Video Game) (voice)
 
2003 Lionheart (Video Game)
Grumdjum (voice)
 
2003 Black Sash (TV series)
Master Li
– Snap Shots (2003) … Master Li
– Prime Suspect (2003) … Master Li
– The Prodigal Son (2003) … Master Li
– Date Night (2003) … Master Li
– Jump Start (2003) … Master Li
See all 6 episodes »
 
1996-2003 Dexter's Laboratory (TV series)
Main Title Narrator / Narrator
– The Scrying Game/Monstrosi-Dee Dee/Dad Man Walking (2003) … Main Title Narrator (voice)
– Streaky Clean/A Dad Cartoon/Sole Brother (2001) … Main Title Narrator (voice)
– Topped Off/Dee Dee's Tail/No Power Trip (1998) … Main Title Narrator (voice)
– Sports-a-Poppin'/Koos a la Goop a Goop/Project Dee Dee (1997) … Main Title Narrator (voice)
– Unfortunate Cookie/The Muffin King (1997) … Narrator (voice)
See all 13 episodes »
 
2003 Bulletproof Monk
Mr. Kojima
 
2003 Lost at Home (TV series)
Mr. Li
– Good Will Hunting (2003) … Mr. Li
 
2002 Cruel Game
Straw Hat
 
2001 Pearl Harbor
Adm. Isoroku Yamamoto
 
2001 Diagnosis Murder (TV series)
Lee Moy
– The Red's Shoes (2001) … Lee Moy
 
2000 The Secret Adventures of Jules Verne (TV series)
Kajimori
– The Inquisitor (2000) … Kajimori
 
2000 Rugrats in Paris: The Movie
Mr. Yamaguchi (voice)
 
2000 Talk to Taka (short)
Mr. Hiro
 
1997-2000 Walker, Texas Ranger (TV series)
Dr. Henry Lee / Edward Song
– Black Dragons (2000) … Edward Song
– Heart of the Dragon (1997) … Dr. Henry Lee
 
1999 7th Heaven (TV series)
Henry Muranaka
– Dirty Laundry (1999) … Henry Muranaka
 
1999 Owls' Castle
Toyotomi Hideyoshi (as Mako Iwamatsu)
 
1999 Martial Law (TV series)
Master Reng
– Requiem (1999) … Master Reng
– Red Storm (1999) … Master Reng
 
1999 Kyohansha
Police (as Mako Iwamatsu)
 
1999 Alegría
Old Momo
 
1998 JAG (TV series)
Ichiro Higashimori
– Innocence (1998) … Ichiro Higashimori
 
1998 The Bird People in China
Shen
 
1997 Seven Years in Tibet
Kungo Tsarong
 
1997 Riot (TV movie)
Mr. Lee (segment "Gold Mountain")
 
1996 Sworn to Justice
Mr. Young
 
1996 Balance of Power
Todo Matsumoto
 
1994-1996 Kung Fu: The Legend Continues (TV series)
Li Sung
– Veil of Tears (1996) … Li Sung
– Tournament (1994) … Li Sung
 
1995 Crying Freeman
Shudo Shimazaki
 
1995 Platypus Man (TV series)
Mr. Loo
– Dying to Live (1995) … Mr. Loo
 
1995 Midnight Man
Buun Som
 
1995 A Dangerous Place
Sensei
 
1994 Highlander: The Final Dimension
Nakano
 
1994 Red Sun Rising
Buntoro Iga
 
1994 Frasier (TV series)
Sam Tanaka
– Author, Author (1994) … Sam Tanaka
 
1994 Cultivating Charlie
Katsu
 
1993 Rising Sun
Yoshida-san
 
1993 Shaky Ground (TV series)
Nakamura
– Stayin' Alive (1993) … Nakamura
 
1993 RoboCop 3
Kanemitsu
 
1992 Sidekicks
Mr. Lee
 
1992 Nightingale (TV movie)
Narrator (voice)
 
1992 My Samurai
Mr. Tszing
 
1991 Lovejoy (TV series)
Toshiro Tanaka
– The Black Virgin of Vladimir (2 of 2) (1991) … Toshiro Tanaka
– Riding in Rollers (1 of 2) (1991) … Toshiro Tanaka
 
1991 Strawberry Road
Frank Machida
 
1991 The Perfect Weapon
Kim
 
1990 Pacific Heights
Toshio Watanabe
 
1990 Taking Care of Business
Mr. Sakamoto
 
1990 Hiroshima: Out of the Ashes (TV movie)
Sgt. Moritaki
 
1990/I Enemy
Trang
 
1990 Guns of Paradise (TV series)
Kao
– Dangerous Cargo (1990) … Kao
 
1990 Murder in Paradise (TV movie)
Capt. Kilalo
 
1989 An Unremarkable Life
Max Chin
 
1988 The Equalizer (TV series)
Jimmy Thanarat
– Riding the Elephant (1988) … Jimmy Thanarat
 
1988 The Wash
Nobu Matsumoto
 
1988 Tucker: The Man and His Dream
Jimmy
 
1988 Silent Assassins
Oyama
 
1987 Tour of Duty (TV series)
Tran
– Sitting Ducks (1987) … Tran
 
1987 Spenser: For Hire (TV series)
Tommy Nguyen
– My Brother's Keeper (1987) … Tommy Nguyen
 
1987 Ohara (TV series)
Toshi
– Toshi (1987) … Toshi
 
1986 Armed Response
Akira Tanaka
 
1986 Behind Enemy Lines
Capt. Vinh
 
1986 Kung Fu: The Movie (TV movie)
The Manchu
 
1984 Hawaiian Heat (TV series)
Maj. Taro Oshira
– Picture Imperfect (1984) … Maj. Taro Oshira
– Andy's Mom (1984) … Maj. Taro Oshira
– Old Dues (1984) … Maj. Taro Oshira
– Ancient Fires (1984) … Maj. Taro Oshira
– Yankees vs. the Cubs (1984) … Maj. Taro Oshira
See all 10 episodes »
 
1984 Hawaiian Heat (TV movie)
Major Oshira
 
1984 Conan the Destroyer
Akiro 'The Wizard'
 
1983 Girls of the White Orchid (TV movie)
Mori
 
1983 Testament
Mike
 
1983 The A-Team (TV series)
Lin Duk Coo - Pastry Chef
– Recipe for Heavy Bread (1983) … Lin Duk Coo - Pastry Chef
 
1983 The Last Ninja (TV movie)
Aitaro Sakura
 
1983 Faerie Tale Theatre (TV series)
Gardener / Minister
– The Nightingale (1983) … Gardener/Minister
 
1983 The Greatest American Hero (TV series)
Master of Flowers
– Thirty Seconds Over Little Tokyo (1983) … Master of Flowers
 
1983 Magnum, P.I. (TV series)
Tozan
– The Arrow That Is Not Aimed (1983) … Tozan
 
1977-1982 Quincy M.E. (TV series)
John Moroshima / Mr. Yamaguchi
– Sword of Honor, Blade of Death (1982) … John Moroshima
– Touch of Death (1977) … Mr. Yamaguchi
 
1982 Voyagers! (TV series)
Karauna Chief
– The Travels of Marco... and Friends (1982) … Karauna Chief
 
1982 Bring 'Em Back Alive (TV series)
Tanako
– The Pied Piper (1982) … Tanako
 
1982 Conan the Barbarian
The Wizard / Narrator
 
1982 Flamingo Road (TV series)
– Double Exposure (1982)
 
1982 The Facts of Life (TV series)
Mr. Wakamatsu
– The Americanization of Miko (1982) … Mr. Wakamatsu
 
1981 The Bloody Bushido Blade
Enjiro
 
1981 An Eye for an Eye
James Chan
 
1981 Under the Rainbow
Nakomuri
 
1981 Fantasy Island (TV series)
Kwong Soo Luke
– The Heroine/The Warrior (1981) … Kwong Soo Luke
 
1974-1980 M*A*S*H (TV series)
Dr. Lin Tam / Li Han / Lt. Hung Lee Park / …
– The Best of Enemies (1980) … Li Han
– Guerilla My Dreams (1979) … Lt. Hung Lee Park
– Hawkeye Get Your Gun (1976) … Major Choi
– Rainbow Bridge (1974) … Dr. Lin Tam
 
1980 The Big Brawl
Herbert
 
1980 Hito Hata: Raise the Banner
Oda
 
1979 A Man Called Sloane (TV series)
– Samurai (1979)
 
1979 When Hell Was in Session (TV movie)
Maj. Bai
 
1978-1979 The Incredible Hulk (TV series)
Li Sung
– The Disciple (1979) … Li Sung
– Another Path (1978) … Li Sung
 
1979 Supertrain (TV series)
Kirby
– Pirouette (1979) … Kirby
 
1979 Salvage 1 (TV series)
Toshiro
– Shangri-la Lil (1979) … Toshiro
 
1979 Wonder Woman (TV series)
Mr. Brown
– Going, Going, Gone (1979) … Mr. Brown
 
1978 Columbo (TV series)
Kanji Ousu
– Murder Under Glass (1978) … Kanji Ousu
 
1976 Visions (TV series)
Masu Murakami
– Gold Watch (1976) … Masu Murakami
 
1976 Mr. T and Tina (TV series)
– I Thought He'd Never Leave (1976)
 
1976 Farewell to Manzanar (TV movie)
Fukimoto
 
1976 Pacific Overtures (TV movie)
Reciter/Shogun/Jonathan Goble
 
1976 Hawaii Five-O (TV series)
Kazuo Tahashi
– Legacy of Terror (1976) … Kazuo Tahashi
 
1975 The Killer Elite
Yuen Chung
 
1975 Prisoners
Sgt. Nguyen
 
1974 Judge Dee and the Monastery Murders (TV movie)
Tao Gan
 
1974 The Island at the Top of the World
Oomiak
 
1974 Mannix (TV series)
Tami Okada
– Enter Tami Okada (1974) … Tami Okada
 
1974 Ironside (TV series)
Phil
– Terror on Grant Avenue (1974) … Phil
 
1973 Love, American Style (TV series)
Jack (segment "Love and the Fortunate Cookie")
– Love and the Fortunate Cookie/Love and the Lady Prisoner/Love and the Opera Singer/Love and the Weighty Problem (1973) … Jack (segment "Love and the Fortunate Cookie")
 
1973 Kung Fu (TV series)
Wong Ti Lu
– The Tide (1973) … Wong Ti Lu
 
1972 Yokahama Mama (short)
Rooster (voice)
 
1972 Anna and the King (TV series)
Sanum
– The King and the Egg (1972) … Sanum
 
1972 The Streets of San Francisco (TV series)
Kenji
– Pilot (1972) … Kenji
 
1971 If Tomorrow Comes (TV movie)
Tadashi
 
1971 Silence (as Mako Iwamatsu)
 
1970 Fools
Psychiatrist
 
1970 The Hawaiians
Mun Ki
 
1970 The Challenge (TV movie)
Yuro
 
1969 The Great Bank Robbery
Secret Agent Fong
 
1968 The Private Navy of Sgt. O'Farrell
Calvin Coolidge Ishimura
 
1966-1968 The F.B.I. (TV series)
Angry Youth / Yoshimura
– Southwind (1968) … Yoshimura
– The Hiding Place (1966) … Angry Youth (uncredited)
 
1968 The Big Valley (TV series)
Wong Lo
– Rimfire (1968) … Wong Lo
 
1967 Vacation Playhouse (TV series)
Simba
– Alfred of the Amazon (1967) … Simba
 
1967 The Time Tunnel (TV series)
Lt. Nakamura
– Kill Two by Two (1967) … Lt. Nakamura
 
1967 F Troop (TV series)
Samurai Warrior
– From Karate with Love (1967) … Samurai Warrior
 
1966 The Sand Pebbles
Po-han
 
1966 The Green Hornet (TV series)
Low Sing
– The Preying Mantis (1966) … Low Sing
 
1966 The Ugly Dachshund
Kenji
 
1965-1966 I Spy (TV series)
Jimmy / Baby Face
– Court of the Lion (1966) … Baby Face
– No Exchange on Damaged Merchandise (1965) … Jimmy
– The Loser (1965) … Jimmy
 
1965 Gidget (TV series)
Casey
– The War Between Men, Women and Gidget (1965) … Casey
 
1964-1965 Burke's Law (TV series)
Happy Tuava / Pete
– The Prisoners of Mr. Sin (1965) … Happy Tuava
– Who Killed April? (1964) … Pete
 
1965 I Dream of Jeannie (TV series)
Kato
– Jeannie and the Marriage Caper (1965) … Kato
 
1965 McHale's Navy Joins the Air Force
Japanese Submarine Captain (uncredited)
 
1964-1965 Broadside (TV series)
– Once Upon an Island (1965)
– Kill 'Em with Kindness (1964)
 
1962-1965 McHale's Navy (TV series)
Capt. Uzaki / Lt. Sakawa / Lt. Yamasake / …
– Chuckie Cottontail (1965) … The Japanese Non-Com
– The PT 73 Follies (1965) … Lt. Sakawa
– The Balloon Goes Up (1964) … Sessua
– A Letter for Fuji (1963) … The 3rd Japanese Soldier
– Have Kimono, Will Travel (1963) … The 1st Japanese Soldier
See all 9 episodes »
 
1964 Arrest and Trial (TV series)
Kyoto
– Signals of an Ancient Flame (1964) … Kyoto
 
1962-1963 Ensign O'Toole (TV series)
Kumagae / Sgt. Harada / Yamada Jr.
– Operation: Geisha (1963) … Yamada Jr.
– Operation Holdout (1962) … Sgt. Harada
– Operation Kowana (1962) … Kumagae
 
1963 77 Sunset Strip (TV series)
Iko Nakayama
– Stranger from the Sea (1963) … Iko Nakayama
 
1963 The Gallant Men (TV series)
Frank Fakuda
– One Puka Puka (1963) … Frank Fakuda
 
1962 The Lloyd Bridges Show (TV series)
Takahashi
– Yankee Stay Here (1962) … Takahashi
 
1959 Never So Few
Soldier in Hospital (uncredited)
 
Show ShowSoundtrack (3 titles)
1976 The 30th Annual Tony Awards (TV special) (performer: "Advantages of Floating in the Middle of the Sea")
 
1976 Anatomy of a Song (TV movie) (performer: "Someone In A Tree")
 
1976 Pacific Overtures (TV movie) (performer: "The Advantages Of Floating In The Middle Of The Sea", "Four Black Dragons", "Chrysanthemum Tea", "Someone In A Tree", "Please Hello", "Next")
 
Show ShowThanks (2 titles)
2007 TMNT (in memory of - as Mako Iwamatsu)
 
2006 Avatar: The Last Airbender (TV series) (dedicatee - 1 episode)
– The Tales of Ba Sing Se (2006) (dedicatee)
 
Show ShowSelf (8 titles)
2006 The Slanted Screen (documentary)
Himself
 
2003 From Grasshopper to Caine: The Making of 'Kung Fu' (video documentary)
Himself
 
2003 The Tao of Caine: Production and Beyond (video documentary)
Himself
 
2000 Conscience and the Constitution (documentary)
Singer in jail (voice)
 
1993 The 1th Annual Minority Motion Picture Awards (TV movie)
Himself - Winner
 
1976 The 30th Annual Tony Awards (TV special)
Himself - Performer
 
1976 Anatomy of a Song (TV movie)
Himself
 
1967 The 39th Annual Academy Awards (TV special)
Himself - Nominee: Best Actor in Supporting Role
 
Show ShowArchive Footage (9 titles)
2012 A Divided Community (documentary)
Himself
 
2007 TMNT: Voice Talent First Look (video documentary short)
Splinter (voice) (uncredited)
 
2007 The 79th Annual Academy Awards (TV special)
Himself - Memorial Tribute
 
2004 The Faces of Mako (video documentary short)
Himself
 
2002 Dexter's Laboratory (TV series)
 
2000 Bruce Lee: A Warrior's Journey (video documentary)
 
2000 Conan Unchained: The Making of 'Conan' (video documentary)
The Wizard
 
1974 The Green Hornet
Low Sing
 
1968 Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color (TV series)
 

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Personal Details

Other Works:

Mako's voice was used in the video game "Wrath Unleashed"

Publicity Listings:

2 Articles  | See more »

Alternate Names:

Mako Iwamatsu | Mako Wakamatsu

Height:

5' 4" (1.63 m)
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Did You Know?

Personal Quote:

On the barriers that Asian-American actors have to face in Hollywood: "I go into a young film director's office these days and he says, 'Hey man, I know who you are. I grew up watching McHale's Navy'. And I think, 'Oh boy, here we go again'". See more »

Trivia:

In the months before his death, he was preparing to appear with his wife in an East West production of the comedy "Motty Chon." Instead of recasting the part, the company, out of respect, canceled the production. See more »

Trademark:

Raspy, thick-accented voice See more »

Star Sign:

Sagittarius