Hideyo Amamoto was a Japanese actor who is best known for his roles in “What’s Up, Tiger Lily?”, “King Kong Escapes”, and “Sword of Doom”. His unique appearance made him a memorable character actor, especially in villainous roles.
Personal and Family Life
Hideyo Amamoto was born on January 2, 1926, in Japan. He initially pursued a career in politics and studied law at Tokyo University but soon lost interest and decided to follow his passion for acting with the help of an older sister who introduced him to the entertainment industry.
Career
Amamoto began his acting career with the Hayuza group of stage actors, where he quickly gained attention for his distinct look and talent. He became recognized in both Japanese cinema and international films, with performances in prominent productions throughout the 1960s. His memorable roles often showcased his ability to play villains and eccentric characters.
Death and Legacy
Hideyo Amamoto passed away on March 23, 2003, in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan due to acute pneumonia. He left behind a legacy as one of Japan’s most distinctive character actors, becoming a cult figure among fans of classic Japanese cinema.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| What’s Up, Tiger Lily? | 1966-11-02 | Cobra Man |
| 怪談 | 1965-01-06 | (segment “In a Cup of Tea”) (uncredited) |
| 海底軍艦 | 1963-12-22 | High Priest of Mu |
| 斬る | 1968-06-22 | Gendayu Shimada |
| キングコングの逆襲 | 1967-07-22 | Dr. Who |
| ゴジラ・ミニラ・ガバラ オール怪獣大進撃 | 1969-12-20 | Toy Consultant Shinpei Inami |
| 大菩薩峠 | 1966-02-25 | Shuzen Kamio |
| エコエコアザラクII -BIRTH OF THE WIZARD- | 1996-04-20 | Master of Saiga |
| 赤毛 | 1969-10-10 | Dr. Gensai |
| ゴジラ・モスラ・キングギドラ大怪獣総進撃 | 2001-12-15 | Prof. Hirotoshi Isayama the Prophet |