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Tetsuro Tamba

Acting

Tetsuro Tamba

Jul 17, 1922 – Sep 24, 2006354 titles 324 movies · 30 TV
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Biography

Tetsuro Tamba (July 17, 1922 – September 24, 2006) was a distinguished Japanese actor known for his versatile talent across five decades. Recognized globally for his portrayal of Tiger Tanaka in the iconic 1967 James Bond film "You Only Live Twice," Tamba's cinematic journey was a remarkable blend of cultural bridges. Before embarking on his acting career, Tamba worked as an interpreter for the Allied Powers' Supreme Commander. Graduating from Chuo University in 1948, he later joined Shintoho company, making his debut in the film Satsujin Yougishain in 1951. Tamba's impact on Western audiences extended beyond Bond, with standout performances in films like Bridge to the Sun and The 7th Dawn. He earned acclaim in Japan as well, most notably as the lead in police dramas like Key Hunter and G-Men '75. His talents weren't confined to the screen alone. Tamba lent his voice to characters like the Cat King in Studio Ghibli's The Cat Returns and graced historical roles in television dramas, leaving an indelible mark on period pieces. In 2005, Tamba faced health challenges but continued to contribute until the end. Sadly, he passed away in Tokyo at 84 due to pneumonia on September 24, 2006. His legacy lives on through his son, actor Yoshitaka Tamba, while his last appearances in the 2005 Taiga drama Yoshitsune and the 2006 film Sinking of Japan remain a testament to his enduring impact on Japanese cinema and beyond.

Also known as

丹波 哲郎 · Tetzuro Tamba · Tetsurô Tanba · Tetsuro Tambo · Tetsurô Tamba · Tetsurou Tanba

Born

Jul 17, 1922 – Sep 24, 2006

Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan

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Photos

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3 images

Roles across career

Titles counted once; a person can act and direct on the same film (roles merged).

353

Acting credits

3

Directing

4

Writing

4

Other crew

Most critically rated

Highest TMDB score (min 100 votes)

Most commercially successful

Highest TMDB vote count (attention / reach proxy; not box office)

Career timeline

By release / first air year · movie & TV merged

Orbit ↑

1954 3 title(s)

1955 5 title(s)

1956 9 title(s)

1957 8 title(s)

1958 6 title(s)

1959 4 title(s)

1960 5 title(s)

1961 12 title(s)

1962 16 title(s)

1963 10 title(s)

1964 18 title(s)

1965 11 title(s)

1966 6 title(s)

1967 13 title(s)

1968 11 title(s)

1969 10 title(s)

1970 6 title(s)

1971 7 title(s)

1972 9 title(s)

1973 11 title(s)

1974 7 title(s)

1975 8 title(s)

1976 8 title(s)

1977 5 title(s)

1978 9 title(s)

1979 4 title(s)

1980 6 title(s)

1981 7 title(s)

1982 7 title(s)

1983 10 title(s)

1984 10 title(s)

1985 5 title(s)

1986 6 title(s)

1987 8 title(s)

1988 4 title(s)

1989 8 title(s)

1990 8 title(s)

1991 10 title(s)

1992 2 title(s)

1993 3 title(s)

1994 3 title(s)

1995 2 title(s)

1997 2 title(s)

1998 1 title(s)

1999 4 title(s)

2000 3 title(s)

2001 4 title(s)

2002 9 title(s)

2003 5 title(s)

2004 3 title(s)

2005 2 title(s)

2006 1 title(s)