Miiko Taka was an actress who starred opposite Marlon Brando (1924–2004) in “Sayonara” and appeared in “Shōgun.”
- Died: January 4, 2023 (Who else died on January 4?)
- Details of death: Died at the age of 97.
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Acting career
Born in Seattle to Japanese immigrant parents, Taka grew up in Los Angeles and was held along with her family in a Japanese internment camp during World War II. She was cast in the 1957 movie “Sayonara” with zero acting experience; a talent scout discovered her while she was working at a travel agency. The Oscar-winning film featured Taka as a Japanese performer in a relationship with Brando’s U.S. Air Force fighter pilot. The film was notable for including an early onscreen interracial kiss and a frank look at racial prejudice. Taka went on to appear in movies including “Hell to Eternity,” “Operation Bottleneck,” and “Paper Tiger.” On TV, she had a role in the award-winning miniseries “Shōgun” and had guest roles on shows including “Hawaiian Eye,” “I Spy,” and “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.”
Tributes to Miiko Taka
Full obituary: The Hollywood Reporter
