Makoto Iwamatsu Biography: Nationality, Age, Wiki, Movies, Awards, Wife, Children, Parents, Siblings

Makoto Iwamatsu, known professionally as Mako, was a renowned Japanese-American actor and voice actor, best known for his Oscar-nominated role in The Sand Pebbles (1966).

Mako became a trailblazer for Asian-American actors in Hollywood. His career spanned decades, with notable appearances in films such as Conan the Barbarian (1982) and Rising Sun (1993), and his iconic voice work as Uncle Iroh in Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008).

Profile

• Full Name: Makoto Iwamatsu
• Stage Name: Mako
• Born: December 10, 1933
• Age: Passed away on July 21, 2006, at the age of 72.
• Birthplace: Kobe, Japan
• Nationality: Japanese-American
• Occupation: Actor, Voice Actor
• Height: 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm)
• Parent: Mitsu Yashima, Taro Yashima
• Siblings: Momo Yashima
• Spouse: Shizuko Hoshi
• Children: Sala Iwamatsu, Mimosa Iwamatsu
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $1.5 million

Early Life and Education

Makoto Iwamatsu, professionally known as Mako, was born on December 10, 1933, in Kobe, Japan. He passed away on July 21, 2006, at the age of 72. He was of Japanese ethnicity and raised in a culturally rich household. His parents, Mitsu Yashima and Taro Yashima, were both political dissidents and artists who fled to the United States due to their opposition to the militaristic regime in Japan during World War II.

His father, Taro Yashima, was a renowned author and illustrator, while his mother, Mitsu, was an artist and activist. Mako had one sibling, a sister named Momo Yashima, who later became an actress. He spent his early childhood in Japan before moving to the United States to join his parents. He eventually became a naturalized U.S. citizen and converted to Buddhism.

For his education, Mako studied architecture before switching his focus to acting. He enrolled at the Pasadena Community Playhouse and later trained at the University of California, where he honed his craft and began his journey into professional acting. His passion and dedication led him to break barriers for Asian-American actors in Hollywood.

Career

Makoto Iwamatsu, professionally known as Mako, had a groundbreaking career that spanned film, television, and stage. He made his film debut in the 1959 movie Never So Few, but his breakthrough role came in 1966 when he starred as Po-Han in The Sand Pebbles, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor and a Golden Globe nomination. This marked a significant moment for Asian representation in Hollywood.

In 1965, Mako co-founded the East West Players in Los Angeles, the first Asian-American theater company in the United States, aimed at creating more opportunities for Asian actors and telling stories from their perspectives.

Mako’s film credits include roles in Conan the Barbarian, Conan the Destroyer, Pearl Harbor, and Memoirs of a Geisha. He was also well known for his voice acting, especially for voicing the character of Iroh in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a role he held until his death in 2006.

On television, Mako appeared in numerous series such as MASH*, Hawaii Five-O, The A-Team, and Walker, Texas Ranger. He was widely respected for his versatility and for paving the way for future generations of Asian-American performers.

Awards and Nominations

• Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for The Sand Pebbles (1966)
• Golden Globe nomination for The Sand Pebbles (1966)
• Multiple nominations for his voice acting in Avatar: The Last Airbender

Personal Life

Renowned Japanese-American actor and voice actor, best known for his Oscar-nominated role in The Sand Pebbles (1966), Makoto Iwamatsu was married to actress and director Shizuko Hoshi. The couple shared a deep bond and were together for several decades until Mako’s passing on July 21, 2006, at the age of 72.

Together, they had two daughters: Sala Iwamatsu, born in 1970, and Mimosa Iwamatsu, born in 1972. Both daughters have continued the family’s involvement in the arts and entertainment industry in various ways. Mako stood at a height of 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm).

Filmography

• The Sand Pebbles (1966)
• Conan the Barbarian (1982)
• Rising Sun (1993)
• Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008)
• The Sea of Trees (2015)

Net Worth

Before his passing in 2006, Makoto Iwamatsu had an estimated net worth of $1.5 million. His income primarily came from his extensive work as an actor and voice actor in film, television, and theater.

Over the course of his career, he earned recognition for his powerful performances in movies like The Sand Pebbles, Conan the Barbarian, and Memoirs of a Geisha, as well as for his iconic voice role as Iroh in Avatar: The Last Airbender. His contributions to stage acting and co-founding the East West Players theater company also played a role in shaping his legacy and financial success.