Tetsuro Tamba profile
Actor profile

Tetsuro Tamba

17th July 1922 Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan Acting

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.

319 Movies 29 TV Shows 348 Credits
Filmography

Movies & TV Shows

Cabaret poster
Cabaret 26th April 1986 as Yakuza boss
Zero poster
Zero 11th August 1984 as Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto
Suspicion poster
Suspicion 11th September 1982 as Kanetaka Okamura
Silence poster
Silence 13th November 1971 as Cristóvão Ferreira
Goyokin poster
Goyokin 1st May 1969 as Rokugo Tatewaki
Kwaidan poster
Kwaidan 6th January 1965 as Warrior (segment "Hoichi the Earless")
Revenge poster
Revenge 1st November 1964 as Shume Okuno
Homicide poster
Homicide 20th June 1964 as Lieutenant Aikawa
Harakiri poster
Harakiri 15th September 1962 as Hikokuro Omodaka
Hanran poster
Hanran 3rd January 1954 as Captain Koda
Yoshitsune poster
Yoshitsune 9th January 2005 as Minamoto no Yorimasa (Gen-ji)
HOTEL poster
HOTEL 11th January 1990 as Ohara Tetsutaro
Byakkotai poster
Byakkotai 30th December 1986 as Jinbo Kuranosuke
Inochi poster
Inochi 5th January 1986 as Takahara Masamichi