Hawaiian-born James Shigeta was, for a time, the biggest East Asian
U.S. star the country had known for decades. His up-and-down career
reflected the country's changing interest in films with East Asian
themes, but, when called upon, he filled both A-movie starring roles
and minor T.V. guest appearances with the same cool and classy style.
An aspiring song-and-dance man early in his career, he had a series of
romantic leading roles in the late fifties, culminating in his most
important one, the lead in
Ross Hunter's glitzy production of
Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical,
Flower Drum Song (1961).
Supporting parts followed, his last showy turn coming again from Ross
Hunter, with star billing and his own production number in the
ill-fated musical remake of
Lost Horizon (1973). Along the way,
there have been many notable T.V. guest appearances showcasing
Shigeta's facility with both sympathetic and villainous roles. His
status as the foremost East Asian leading man of twentieth century U.S.
film will endure undiminished by an erratic career.
Yorktown: A Time to Heal(2022)as Admiral Nogura
The People I've Slept With(2012)as Charles Yang
Avatar: The Last Airbender(2005)as Old Wanderer
Threat Matrix(2003)as Kang Sok-Joo
The Unbidden(2016)
Lost Horizon(1973)
Flower Drum Song(1961)
American Masters(1985)as Self
Hollywood Singing & Dancing: A Musical History - 1960's(2009)as Self
Hollywood Singing and Dancing: A Musical Treasure(2008)as Self
Hollywood Chinese(2007)as Self
Beam Me Up, Sulu(2025)as Admiral Nogura
The Oscars(2015)as Self - Actor (In Memoriam)
The 21st Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards(2015)as Self - In Memoriam
Turner Classic Movies Remembers 2014(2014)as Self - Actor
The Making of 'Midway'(2001)as Vice Admiral Chuichi Nagumo
