Setsuko Hara was an Japanese actress who is best known for her roles in Tokyo Story, Late Spring, and Story of the Late Chrysanthemums.
Personal and Family Life
Born in Yokohama, Japan, on June 17, 1920, Setsuko Hara’s real name was Masae Aida. She became famous for her portrayals of devoted daughters in Japanese films. Despite the pressures of Japanese society to marry and have children, she remained single and childless, which was seen as controversial during her time.
Career
Setsuko Hara built a successful 30-year career in film, working with renowned directors like Yasujirō Ozu and Akira Kurosawa. She starred in many significant films, particularly in the 1950s, until her sudden retirement in 1963 at the peak of her fame. After stepping away from acting, she lived a quiet life in Kamakura, Japan, away from the public eye.
Death and Legacy
Setsuko Hara passed away on September 5, 2015, in Kanagawa, Japan, due to pneumonia. Her legacy endures through her influential film work, particularly with Ozu, and her impact on Japanese cinema. She was posthumously honored in 2021 during the Turner Classic Movies Summer Under the Stars, celebrating her contributions to film.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| 晩春 | 1949-09-13 | Noriko Somiya |
| 秋日和 | 1960-11-13 | Akiko Miwa |
| 白痴 | 1951-05-23 | Taeko Nasu |
| 東京物語 | 1953-11-03 | Noriko Hirayama |
| 忠臣蔵 花の巻・雪の巻 | 1962-11-03 | Riku Oishi |
| めし | 1951-11-23 | Michiyo Okamoto |
| 娘・妻・母 | 1960-05-21 | Sanae Soga |
| 東京暮色 | 1957-04-30 | Takako Numata |
| 愛情の決算 | 1956-03-28 | Katsuko |