Fuji was an American actor best known for his roles in The Wrecking Crew, The Crimson Kimono, and Mission: Impossible. Born as Shuji Joe Nozawa on December 28, 1922, in Los Angeles, California, he became a prominent Japanese-American stuntman and wrestler. He passed away on May 7, 2008, in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.
Personal and Family Life
Fuji was interned at Manzanar during World War II, which was a difficult period for many Japanese-Americans. After his time in a relocation camp, he served in the U.S. Army. Later in life, he transitioned from acting to becoming a real estate developer in California.
Career
Throughout his career, Fuji worked as a professional wrestler and also made appearances in various television shows and films. He took on roles that showcased his wrestling skills, which became a significant part of his identity in the entertainment industry. His contributions were appreciated not just in wrestling but also in acting, giving him a unique place in Hollywood.
Death and Legacy
Fuji died of pancreatic cancer on May 7, 2008. His legacy includes his work as a trailblazer for Japanese-Americans in the entertainment field, breaking stereotypes through both wrestling and acting. He is remembered fondly for his roles and the barriers he helped to dismantle for future generations.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Crimson Kimono | 1959-10-21 | Shuto |
| The Wrecking Crew | 1968-12-30 | Toki |
| Slaughter’s Big Rip Off | 1973-08-31 | Chin (uncredited) |
| House of Bamboo | 1955-07-01 | Pachinko Manager (uncredited) |
| Burke’s Law | 1963-09-20 | Mr. Chen |
| The Man from U.N.C.L.E. | 1964-09-22 | Chuke (as Shuji J. Nozawa) |