Mako was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “The Sand Pebbles,” “Pearl Harbor,” and “Conan the Destroyer.” His unique voice and talent distinguished him in the entertainment industry.
Personal and Family Life
Mako was born on December 10, 1933, in Kobe, Japan, under the name Makoto Iwamatsu. He moved to the U.S. during World War II to reunite with his parents, who had remained in the country. He married Shizuko Hoshi, and together they had two children, Sala Iwamatsu and Mimosa Skelton. Mako had a close-knit family and was very dedicated to them throughout his life.
Career Highlights
Before becoming an actor, Mako studied architecture but soon discovered his passion for performing while serving in the U.S. Army. He studied at the Pasadena Community Playhouse and gained fame for his roles in films and on Broadway. Mako received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in “The Sand Pebbles,” and went on to work in many notable productions, including “Pacific Overtures” and “Avatar: The Last Airbender.”
Death and Legacy
Mako passed away on July 21, 2006, in Somis, California, due to esophageal cancer. He left behind a legacy as a talented actor and advocate for Asian representation in Hollywood. His contributions to theater and film continue to be recognized and celebrated by fans and colleagues.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Pearl Harbor | 2001-05-21 | Adm. Isoroku Yamamoto |
| Seven Years in Tibet | 1997-09-12 | Kungo Tsarong |
| TMNT | 2007-03-23 | Splinter (voice) |
| The Sand Pebbles | 1966-12-20 | Po-han |
| Conan the Destroyer | 1984-06-29 | Akiro ‘The Wizard’ |
| Samurai Jack | 2001-08-10 | Aku (voice) |
| Avatar: The Last Airbender | 2005-02-21 | Iroh (voice) |
| MASH | 1972-09-17 | Major Choi |