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Mako

Acting Born Dec 10, 1933 Kobe, Japan 24 credits

Biography

Mako was born in Kobe, Japan, the son of noted children's book author and illustrator Taro Yashima. His parents moved to the United States when he was a small child. He joined them there after World War II, in 1949, joining the military in the 1950s. He became a naturalized American citizen in 1956. When Mako first joined his parents in the USA, he studied architecture. During his military service, he discovered his theatrical talent, and trained at the Pasadena Community Playhouse. Mako was married to actress Shizuko Hoshi with whom he had two daughters (both are actresses) and three grandchildren.

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Known for

Columbo

as Kanji Ousu

Monk

as Master Zi

The West Wing

as Dr. Yosh Takahashi

Frasier

as Sam Tanaka

JAG

as Ichiro Higashimori

Full filmography

  • The A-Team (1983) as Pastry Chef
  • Columbo (1971) as Kanji Ousu
  • Monk (2002) as Master Zi
  • The West Wing (1999) as Dr. Yosh Takahashi
  • Frasier (1993) as Sam Tanaka
  • JAG (1995) as Ichiro Higashimori
  • Ironside (1967) as Phil Tsang
  • Hawaii Five-O (1968) as Kazuo Tahashi
  • The Facts of Life (1979) as Mr. Wakamatsu
  • Diagnosis: Murder (1993) as Lee Moy
  • M*A*S*H (1972) as Major Choi
  • Mannix (1967) as Tami Okada
  • Burke's Law (1963) as Happy Tuava
  • Burke's Law (1963) as Pete
  • Magnum, P.I. (1980) as Tozan
  • Tony Awards (1956) as Self - Nominee / Performer
  • Duck Dodgers (2003) as Happy Cat / Ah-Choo (voice)
  • Duck Dodgers (2003) as Happy Cat (voice)
  • Walker, Texas Ranger (1993) as Dr. Henry Lee
  • Walker, Texas Ranger (1993) as Edward Song
  • Martial Law (1998) as Master Reng
  • Tour of Duty (1987) as Tran
  • Quincy, M.E. (1976) as Mr. Yamaguchi
  • Quincy, M.E. (1976) as John Moroshima