Tsuru Aoki was a Japanese-American actor who is best known for her roles in silent films such as “The Oath of Tsuru San,” “O Mimi San,” and “The Dragon Painter.” She was one of the first Asian leading ladies in Hollywood and had a significant impact in the film industry during her era.
Personal and Family Life
Born Tsuru Kawakami on September 9, 1892, in Fukuoka, Japan, Tsuru emigrated to the United States with her aunt and uncle in 1903. She worked in theater before transitioning to film. Tsuru married fellow actor Sessue Hayakawa in May 1914, and they often starred together in various productions. The couple adopted children, and after a decade in the film industry, Tsuru decided to retire to focus on her family.
Death and Legacy
Tsuru Aoki passed away on October 18, 1961, in Tokyo, Japan, due to acute peritonitis. She left behind a legacy as a trailblazer for Asian actresses in Hollywood, breaking barriers during a time when opportunities for women, especially of Asian descent, were very limited. Her contributions to early cinema paved the way for future generations of actors.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Dragon Painter | 1919-09-28 | Ume-Ko |
| The Wrath of the Gods | 1914-06-08 | Toya San |
| The Last of the Line | 1914-12-24 | Girl at Riverside |
| His Birthright | 1918-09-08 | Saki San |
| The Courageous Coward | 1919-03-31 | Rei Oaki |
| The Great Prince Shan | 1924-05-01 | Nita |
| The Call of the East | 1917-10-15 | O’Mitsu, His Sister |
| La Bataille | 1923-12-23 | La Marquise Yorisaka |
| The Breath of the Gods | 1920-07-25 | Yuki Onda |
| A Tokyo Siren | 1920-06-14 | Asuti Hishuri |
| Black Roses | 1921-05-22 | Blossom (as Tsura Aoki) |
| Bonds of Honor | 1919-10-04 | Toku-ko (as Tsuri Aoki) |
| Sen Yan’s Devotion | 1924-07-01 | Sen Yan’s Wife |
| O Mimi san | 1914-02-05 | O Mimi San |
| A Heart in Pawn | 1919-03-20 | Sada |
| The Bravest Way | 1918-06-16 | Sat-u |
| Night Life in Hollywood | 1922-11-15 | Self |
| The Honorable Friend | 1916-08-27 | Toki-Ye |
| The Death Mask | 1914-09-25 | Princess Nona |