Japanese movie stars died in 1973
Here are 2 famous actresses from Japan died in 1973:
Ranko Akagi
Ranko Akagi (January 17, 1914 Tokyo-July 23, 1973) was a Japanese actor.
Throughout his career, Akagi appeared in over 160 films and became well-known for his performances in yakuza films. He made his debut in 1934 in the film "Kekkon-Ronri-shiki" and went on to work with some of Japan's most celebrated filmmakers, including Akira Kurosawa and Yasujiro Ozu. In addition to his work in film, Akagi was also a accomplished stage actor and appeared in numerous television dramas. He was known for his versatility as an actor, portraying both heroic and villainous roles with equal mastery. Despite his success, Akagi struggled with alcohol addiction and passed away at the age of 59.
Akagi was born into a family of actors, his father was also an actor, and he began his career in the film industry at a young age. He appeared in his first leading role in "Chûshingura: Hana no maki, yuki no maki" in 1938, which was a big commercial success, and led to him getting more leading roles in films. In the 1950s, Akagi starred in several of Akira Kurosawa's films, including "Rashomon" and "Seven Samurai".
Akagi's performances were highly regarded, and he received several prestigious awards throughout his career. He won the Best Supporting Actor Award at the Mainichi Film Awards for his role in "Buraikan" in 1952. He also won the Best Actor Award at the Blue Ribbon Awards for his role in "The Flower and the Dragon" in 1960.
Apart from his work in films and television, Akagi was also a prominent member of the Actors Union in Japan. He was actively involved in advocating for better working conditions and remuneration for actors.
Despite his tragic death, Akagi's legacy as an accomplished actor is still celebrated in Japan, and he remains an important figure in the country's film history.
Chieko Naniwa
Chieko Naniwa (November 19, 1907 Tondabayashi-December 22, 1973) a.k.a. Kikuno Minaguchi was a Japanese actor.
She was active in the Japanese film industry from the 1920s to the 1950s, and appeared in over 200 films throughout her career. Naniwa was known for her versatility as an actress, ranging from comedic to dramatic roles. She appeared in some of the most iconic films of Japanese cinema, including Yasujiro Ozu's "Tokyo Chorus" and Akira Kurosawa's "The Seven Samurai". Naniwa's career came to a halt in the 1950s due to her involvement in leftist politics, which resulted in her being blacklisted by the Japanese film industry. Despite this setback, Naniwa remained active in theater and reportedly continued to support leftist causes.
Naniwa began her acting career at the age of 15, joining the Teikoku Kinema Gekijo acting group in Osaka. She quickly gained popularity for her natural acting style and comedic timing. In the 1930s, she became a leading actress in Japanese cinema, starring in films such as "Osaka Elegy" and "The Elegant Life of Mr. Everyman". Naniwa was also a popular singer, recording several songs that were used in her films.
In addition to her acting career, Naniwa was also an outspoken political activist. She was a member of the Japanese Communist Party and was known for her support of workers' rights and anti-war movements. Her political beliefs led to her being interrogated and arrested by the Japanese authorities several times.
After being blacklisted by the film industry, Naniwa turned to theater and continued to act in plays throughout the 1960s. She also became a vocal advocate for the rights of the socially marginalized, including women, minorities, and the working class. Naniwa died in 1973 at the age of 66. She is remembered as one of the most talented and influential actresses in the history of Japanese cinema.