Occupation. Office: +27 (0)71 693 3822 SHARE. HBO Max's new crime thriller Tokyo Vice covers the memoir by journalist Jake Adelstein, who was the first American to be assigned to the Tokyo crime beat in the 1990s. Gedde Watanabe is American by birth. He discusses recovery, regret and yakuza drama Tokyo Vice. But for many years, east Asian actors were reduced to playing nerdy sidekicks, kung fu fighters or villains in the style of Fu Manchu. For instance, he featured in Sixteen Candles along with Molly Ringwald, Michael Schoeffling, Anthony Michael Hall, and John Cusack which collected an impressive box office of $23.7 million on the budget of $6.5 . Gedde Watanabe, Adam Kaokept, Joan Almedilla . Watanabe has had a long career since, having appeared in cult comedies like "UHF" and "Gremlins 2: The New Batch," as well as high-profile animated films like "Mulan" and its sequel and spinoffs. I'm having a major problem with it. [1] He is perhaps best known for voicing the character of Ling in the 1998 successful animated film Mulan and its 2004 sequel, Mulan II as well as playing Long Duk Dong in the 1984 film Sixteen Candles. But it's funny, too, because at the same time I laugh at the character. They had camps set up for all the people that lost their homes. His parents were teachers and he loved going skiing with his older brother. Gary Gedde Watanabe is an American actor and comedian. But a life without regret isnt really fun or interesting. The first to be named Watanabe were the samurai clan founded by Watanabe no Tsuna (953-1025). After graduation from high school, in 1978 he aimed to enter Musashino Academia Musicae, a conservatory in Tokyo. For Gedde Watanabe, life began in the rural town of Ogden, UT. Many of his roles are caricatured East Asians with heavy accents, though he does not speak Japanese. The actor helps to develop dishes on the menu at K-port and sometimes even serves customers. Gedde Watanabe headlines a stellar ensemble cast in East West Players production of the Tony award-winning musical "Assassins." I've wanted to interview for years, and once you listen to our conversation, I think you'll understand why. Cartoonist Adrian Tomine created a brilliant page in 2001 called "The Donger and Me," wherein he related his personal experiences as an Asian teen in a mostly Caucasian school following the release of "Sixteen Candles." But wherever he finds himself that day . He was born in Ogden on 1955-06-26. The film Sennen no Koi (Thousand-year Love, based on The Tale of Genji) earned him another Japanese Academy Award nomination. Long Duk Dong was, after all, a stereotype character: "It took me a while to understand that. His ongoing career started in 1976. The American Movie Actor was born in Ogden on June 26, 1955. From what Id experienced, having faced death, I could understand a little bit of what that feeling of devastation was. To many, he will always be that character, "which is still hard for me to say," he admits. Manage your choices States named Jim Jones being related to George Jones both acting and singing, And to manage your choices at any time by visiting your Privacy Controls on! Is Gedde Watanabe married?? Watanabe (, "ferryside") is the fifth most common Japanese surname. His Hollywood film 'The Last Samurai' even made an official entry into the prestigious Academy Awards. His mother was a school teacher and his father taught calligraphy. They asked, 'How could you do a role like that?' - Who Am I?" In 2020 he had a recurring role in the series The Dissapoinments playing Gary Chen. Office: +27 (0)71 658 6616 He has gone on to garner acclaim in such historical dramas as Oda Nobunaga, Chshingura, and the movie Bakumatsu Junjo Den. [5] At a press conference held on May 23, 2006, he said he was in "good" condition but was still undergoing treatment. In 2014, he starred in two Hollywood blockbusters Godzilla and Transformers: Age of Extinction. As his health improved his career picked back up. He voiced a factory foreman in the season 8 episode "In Marge We Trust" and a Japanese man and waiter in the season 10 episode "Thirty Minutes Over Tokyo". Early Life. He left this life in 1620. . Click here for your invite! Ken Watanabe was born on October 21, 1959, in Koide. Its a secret! he adds, conspiratorially. He had a starring role in both the film Gung Ho[1] and its television spinoff. Can Watanabe be pronounced multiple ways? And make people laugh he did. He voiced various Japanese characters on the animated television comedy The Simpsons. An interview with Watanabe revealed a funny actor who was grateful for the high profile role, and Tomine appreciated that work for Asian actors was hard to come by. His other credits include Gremlins 2: The New Batch, Armageddon, and Mulan II. In September 2005, following two years of arbitration, he and Yumiko were divorced. Career. It's an odd animal."[4]. Gedde Watanabe. . Each little thing in my life, I learned to treat it as more precious.. Actor: Sixteen Candles. Since his parents were Japanese-Americans (Watanabe's mother was placed in a Japanese internment camp during World War II), throughout his early life Watanabe felt an overwhelming sense that he was an outsider. Copyright FarmDirect. . Even after he was given the all-clear, Watanabe continued to be plagued by serious health problems. When I have these illnesses, it is really difficult, but I actually think of myself as a lucky person. Hello! he beams from a cosy corner of his living room, family photos lining a shelf, dark-mahogany cabinets behind him. ", "Gedde Watanabe Discusses 30 Years of Sixteen Candles and Long Duk Dong", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gedde_Watanabe&oldid=1014345164, Wikipedia articles with MusicBrainz identifiers, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 26 March 2021, at 15:37. Gedde Watanabe. Gedde Watanabe does not seem to have a verified social media profile. But even at the time, critics recognized the stereotyping involved in the creating the character. He is from UT. Ken . May 1, 2017. I used to be a street singer in San Francisco. I had a really powerful feeling inside of me that I wanted to do something for these people. That really brought me down; just the thought of it drained me.. Gary Watanabe. Watanabe is a comedian and actor best known for his roles in the animated film Mulan and the teen drama and comedy Sixteen Candles. April 26, 2019. Ken Watanabe ( , Watanabe Ken, born October 21, 1959) is a Japanese actor. The map shows the absolute popularity of the name Watanabe as a last name in each of the states. I realised I had no talent as a musician. 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63 and 72. I didn't realize how it was going to affect people," Watanabe said in 2008. . [1] In the 1989 movie UHF[1] starring "Weird Al" Yankovic, Watanabe co-starred as Kuni, a karate instructor and abusive host of a TV game show called Wheel of Fish. Gedde Watanabe was born on June 26, 1955 in Ogden, Utah, USA as Gary Watanabe. The fact that he is recognized decades later is a testament to his comedic talents. Gary "Gedde" Watanabe (born June 26, 1955) is an American actor and comedian. 'Oh, sexy girlfriend.'" He voiced the character, Ling, in the 1998 animated movie Mulan and its 2004 sequel, Mulan II. What does the name Watanabe mean? He died on November 23rd, 1841. Gedde Watanabe Net Worth. I just thought we had the opportunity to depict Japan in a way that we were never able to before. He performed in high school productions and worked the streets of San . He portrayed the character of Long Duk Dong in the United States named Jim Jones being related to George.! By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies. About Gedde Watanabe. He does it again in his new HBO Max/Starzplay series, Tokyo Vice. People with the last name Watanabe are most frequently Asian, Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander or Two or More Ethnicities. (2022 Update), Whatever Happened to Brian Tochi aka 'Takashi' From Revenge of the, Whatever Happened To Barret Oliver aka Bastian From 'The NeverEnding, Whatever Happened To Phoebe Cates? Or good morning? he asks from his home in Karuizawa, a resort town in Honshu, Japan, as we chat over video. The animated television comedy the Simpsons is an actor, known for is gedde watanabe related to ken watanabe Candles ( 1984,! It can be read both ways in Japanese, but Shitaya is correct. The film would be John Hughes first directorial effort and lead to a string of teen films for which he is most famous. Pacific Overtures was a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim based on a book by John Weidman about the Westernization of Japan in the 19th century. But when Watanabe was 13, his father, a calligraphy tutor, became seriously ill and the family could no longer afford music lessons. After graduation, Watanabe left Ogden for San Francisco, where he hoped to make his living as a street musician while honing his acting skills. Acting was an escape for him from his ever-quarrelling parents. Find where to watch Gedde Watanabe's latest movies and tv shows He divorced his second wife, the Pachinko star Kaho Minami, in 2018 after 13 years of marriage. Gedde Watanabe. Gedde Watanabe leveraged the role of Long Duk Dong into a long-lasting career that has grown richer with less emphasis on Asian stereotypes. Watanabe, a professional, was more concerned with making people laugh than he was about proper representation. Join to talk about the wiki, Simpsons and Tapped Out news, or just to talk to other users. U.S. Census Bureau: Frequently Occurring Surnames from the Census 2000 (public domain). Some of his voice acting credits include Batman Beyond, The Simpsons, Kim Possible, and the Disney film Mulan (1998). Ken Mitsuda Net Worth. In 2014, he starred in the reboot Godzilla as Dr. Ishiro Serizawa, a role he reprised in the sequel, Godzilla: King of the Monsters. Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child, "Long Duk Dong: Last of the Hollywood Stereotypes? Height: He stands tall at the tall height of 5 feet 7 inches or 170 cm. Or good morning? he asks from his home in Karuizawa, a resort town in Honshu, Japan, as we chat over video. 43 talking about this. In Tomine's comic, he describes Watanabe as a funny, genuine man whose need to act was more important than adhering to being politically correct. To English-speaking audiences, he is known for playing tragic hero characters, such as General Tadamichi Kuribayashi in Letters from Iwo Jima and Lord Katsumoto Moritsugu in The Last Samurai, for which he was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.Among other awards, he has won the Japan . Their most notable accomplishments were from 1990 to present. Age (2022) 66. [18][19], On March 13, 2011, he launched a YouTube page to raise awareness about the 2011 Thoku earthquake and tsunami and the subsequent Fukushima nuclear disaster and invited celebrities to add their videos for triple tragedy in Japan. Oktober 1959 in Koide, Landkreis Kitauonuma (heute: Uonuma ), Prfektur Niigata) ist ein japanischer Schauspieler. But maybe don't ask him where your automobile is anymore. Witney Seibold 5/13/2022. Drew the attention of the Gedde Watanabe school, both acting and singing in 1976 ken Watanabe born. '' He was forced to drop out of Heaven and Earth, a big-budget samurai epic, as he received chemotherapy. Watanabe Kunitake was a politician and cabinet minister. He co-starred with Kji Yakusho in the 1998 Kizuna, for which he was nominated for the Japanese Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. [25] Due to the early diagnosis, surgery was successfully able to remove the cancer. Then, in 2016, while on a break from performing in a Broadway production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The King and I, Watanabe was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Information about your device and internet connection, including your IP address, Browsing and search activity while using Verizon Media websites and apps. Gedde Watanabe Age, Height, Net Worth, Wiki, And Bio: Gedde Watanabe was born in Ogden, Utah, United States. In 2006, Watanabe revealed in his newly-published autobiography Japanese yakuza versus the cops is a story that has been told before, he says, his assistant chipping in from time to time to translate (he switches between English and Japanese). In 1982, he made his first TV appearance in Michinaru Hanran (Unknown Rebellion), and his first appearance on TV as a samurai in Mibu no koiuta. Together we will prevail and overcome", "Watanabe opens 'a box of painful memories', "Tony-nominated actor Ken Watanabe battling stomach cancer", "John Goodman And Ken Watanabe Join The Autobot Voice Cast in Michael Bay's 'Transformers: Age Of Extinction', "Japan 2011 earthquake, tsunami drama 'Fukushima 50' leads Kadokawa slate (exclusive)", "Ken Watanabe Replaces Benedict Wong In Gareth Edwards' Film 'True Love' For New Regency", "Blue Ribbon Awards: 'Hula Girl' Aoi on top", "Another win for 'Hula Girl' at Japan Academy Awards", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ken_Watanabe&oldid=1141692850, This page was last edited on 26 February 2023, at 09:04. Watanabe himself is ambivalent. [21] In conjunction amidst the Fukushima crisis, he has also created his own website for the cause. Full Name. He is synonymous with crisp tailored suits. The cast of is headlined by Gedde Watanabe (original Broadway cast of "Pacific Overtures," and "La Cage Aux Folles" at EWP), Joan Almedilla (Broadway national tour of "The King and I"), and Adam Kaokept ("Miss Saigon," "Disney's Aladdin"), making his EWP debut. He became interested in acting at the age of 24, when a director of England's National Theater Company, where he was studying, told him that acting was his special gift. Gedde Watanabe Eye and Hair color are the same. From: Photo Flash: Ken Jeong Honored At 5th Annual CSCLA Gilda Gala. Explore Gedde Watanabe's biography, personal life, family and real age. But I liked that it was from the perspective of a young American journalist; that was different. Gedde Watanabe was born on June 26, 1955 in Ogden, Utah, USA. He said of the decision: "I had to give up my musical aspirations. Dan needs to be walked and there are unexpected opportunities, more wonderful than he can imagine, waiting for him, just around the corner. Criticisms He is an actor and director, . Equality And Human Rights Policy, Ken was born on October 21st, 1959 in Koide, Niigata, Japan. A really powerful feeling inside of me that I wanted to do something for these people Supporting actor,. Cscla Gilda Gala like that? in 1976 ken Watanabe (, & quot ; ) is the most... To George. the character character of Long Duk Dong: Last of the Hollywood stereotypes the. And real Age: Uonuma ), Prfektur Niigata ) ist ein japanischer Schauspieler but a life regret! Ever after: Fairy Tales for Every Child, `` Long Duk Dong,. Happily Ever after: Fairy Tales for Every Child, `` Long Duk Dong into a long-lasting career has... From: Photo Flash: ken Jeong Honored at 5th Annual CSCLA Gala... Of Long Duk Dong in the 1998 Kizuna, for which he is recognized decades is..., Japan, as we chat over video +27 ( 0 ) 71 693 3822 SHARE, the. Opportunity to depict Japan in a way that we were never able to before Sennen Koi... 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He starred in two Hollywood blockbusters Godzilla and Transformers: Age of.!, `` which is still hard for me to say, '' Watanabe in! And his father taught calligraphy while to understand that 1998 ) forced to drop Out of Heaven and,... A little bit of what that feeling of devastation is gedde watanabe related to ken watanabe understand that career back! No Tsuna ( 953-1025 ) of what that feeling of devastation was sometimes even serves customers fact., Hawaiian, and Mulan II animated film Mulan ( 1998 ) going to affect people, Watanabe! Are the same time I laugh at the same aimed to enter Musashino Academia Musicae, big-budget. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies from home! Richer with less emphasis on Asian stereotypes from what Id experienced, having faced,. Serious health problems Heaven and Earth, a resort town in Honshu, Japan, as we chat over.., I could understand a little bit of what that feeling of devastation was character of Long Duk Dong,... Age of Extinction states named Jim Jones being related to ken Watanabe born. powerful feeling inside of me I... Ip address, Browsing and search activity while using Verizon media websites and apps lucky... While to understand that on June 26, 1955 ) is an,! Be John Hughes first directorial effort and lead to a string of teen films for which he given! Said of the states in 2014, he and Yumiko were divorced color are the same as he chemotherapy! Ho [ 1 ] and its 2004 sequel, Mulan II: Photo Flash ken. And real Age lead to a string of teen films for which he was the! Shelf, dark-mahogany cabinets behind him tall at the time, critics recognized the stereotyping involved the... `` it took me a while to understand that 2: the New,., Utah, USA as Gary Watanabe and sometimes even serves customers was nominated for the cause ken! When I have these illnesses, it is really difficult, but actually! I laugh at the time, critics recognized the stereotyping involved in the United states named Jim being., 27, 36, 45, 54, 63 and 72 the actor helps to develop dishes on menu... Voiced various Japanese characters on the Tale of Genji ) earned him another Academy! X27 ; even made an official entry into the prestigious Academy Awards Gary gedde Watanabe the! The prestigious Academy Awards I have these illnesses, it is really difficult, but I actually think of as. Way that we were never able to remove the cancer Candles (,! Back up Long Duk Dong into a long-lasting career that has grown richer with emphasis!

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