Known For
Acting
Born
Jul 17, 1922
Died
Sep 24, 2006
Place of Birth
Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
Credits
354 titles
Tetsuro Tamba
Biography
Tetsuro Tamba (July 17, 1922 – September 24, 2006) was a distinguished Japanese actor known for his versatile talent across five decades. Recognized globally for his portrayal of Tiger Tanaka in the iconic 1967 James Bond film "You Only Live Twice," Tamba's cinematic journey was a remarkable blend of cultural bridges. Before embarking on his acting career, Tamba worked as an interpreter for the Allied Powers' Supreme Commander. Graduating from Chuo University in 1948, he later joined Shintoho company, making his debut in the film Satsujin Yougishain in 1951. Tamba's impact on Western audiences extended beyond Bond, with standout performances in films like Bridge to the Sun and The 7th Dawn. He earned acclaim in Japan as well, most notably as the lead in police dramas like Key Hunter and G-Men '75. His talents weren't confined to the screen alone. Tamba lent his voice to characters like the Cat King in Studio Ghibli's The Cat Returns and graced historical roles in television dramas, leaving an indelible mark on period pieces. In 2005, Tamba faced health challenges but continued to contribute until the end. Sadly, he passed away in Tokyo at 84 due to pneumonia on September 24, 2006. His legacy lives on through his son, actor Yoshitaka Tamba, while his last appearances in the 2005 Taiga drama Yoshitsune and the 2006 film Sinking of Japan remain a testament to his enduring impact on Japanese cinema and beyond.
Known For
Filmography
Teruo Ishii Fan Club
Demon Pond
Yoshitsune
Minamoto no Yorimasa (Gen-ji)
Order Made ~Shiawase Iro no Shinshi Fuku Mise~
The Thousand Year Fire
Capone: Roppongi Renkin no Teio
Yumemiru Budo
Gozu
Yakuza Demon
Michitane Tendou
A Case of Murder by the Atami Station Taxi Stand
T.R.Y.
Shura Group Part 2
The Twilight Samurai
Tozaemon Iguchi
Deadly Outlaw: Rekka
Sanada
The Cat Returns
Cat King (voice)
Graveyard of Honor
Tetsuji Tokura
The Happiness of the Katakuris
Granpa Jinpei Katakuri
Shura Group
Toshiie and Matsu
Tarozaemon Iguchi
Shura Group Part 1
Ino Tadataka: Meridian Dreams
The Making Of The Katakuris
修羅のみち
Blind Beast vs Killer Dwarf
Sakuya: The Slayer of Demons
Old Master
A Class to Remember IV: Fifteen
Tetsuo Hatake
The Stupid Teacher
Utaemon Baba
Japanese Hell
Asu Shino
The Veteran Trio
Inui Sanshiro
Jubaku: Spellbound
Tajiro Kawakami
Crayon Shin-chan: Explosion! The Hot Spring's Feel Good Final Battle
Tamba (voice)
Screwed
Landlord
The Peking Man
Osone
Kaseifu wa mita!
Hashiran ka!
前田米吉
Gokenin Zankuro
Tetsuro Tamba’s Great Spiritual World 3: Amazing Reincarnation Story That Ran Around the Whole
Coming Home
Shirota Fukuzo
Psychic: Traveler to the Unknown
新幹線物語'93夏
黒木哲也
Emperor of Upheaval
The Supernormal II
Hanshichi Torimonochō
Taira no Kiyomori
Minamoto Yoshitsune
The Tale of Genji
The Great Shogunate Battle
Yakuza Warfare
源氏九郎颯爽記 秘剣揚羽の蝶
Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky
Master Zhang