Sessue Hayakawa - Bio, Age, Chinese Zodiac Sign & Timeline
| Born | June 11, 1889 |
|---|---|
| Died | November 23, 1973 (age 84) |
| Birthplace | Chiba, Japan |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini - (see also Sessue Hayakawa's horoscope and birth chart) |
| Chinese Zodiac | Ox |
| Known For | Being one of the first Asian actors to achieve stardom in Hollywood, most notably for his roles in 'The Cheat' (1915) and 'The Bridge on the River Kwai' (1957), the latter earning him an Academy Award nomination. |
Intro
Sessue Hayakawa was a pioneering Japanese actor, producer, and matinee idol, renowned as one of the first actors of Asian descent to achieve international fame in both Hollywood and European cinema during the silent and early sound film eras. He broke racial barriers and became a symbol of sophistication and romantic allure in the early 20th century film industry.
Early Life & Background
Born Kintaro Hayakawa in Chiba, Japan, Sessue Hayakawa was the son of a provincial governor. He initially intended to pursue a career in the Japanese navy but abandoned these plans due to a ruptured eardrum. After a brief period studying at the University of Chicago, Hayakawa turned to acting, eventually moving to Los Angeles and entering the burgeoning film industry.
Career Highlights
- Rose to fame with Cecil B. DeMille's film 'The Cheat' (1915).
- Became one of the most recognized actors of the silent era and a major sex symbol.
- Founded his own production company, Haworth Pictures Corporation, in 1918, producing over 20 films.
- Starred in 'The Bridge on the River Kwai' (1957), earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
- Worked internationally, appearing in films in Hollywood, France, and the United Kingdom.
Trivia
- Hayakawa was one of the highest-paid stars of his time, reportedly earning $2,000 a week in the 1910s.
- He was fluent in several languages, including French, English, and Japanese.
- He was also an accomplished artist and authored an autobiography titled 'Zen Showed Me the Way.'
FAQs
People also ask
Sessue Hayakawa was born the 11 June 1889.
Chiba, Japan.
On His Birth-Day
About June 11th, 1889, in brief:
- Day of the week: June 11th, 1889 was a Tuesday
- Zodiac Sign: Gemini (in western zodiac), Ox (in Chinese zodiac)
- Moon Phase: