# Mako

> Japanese-American actor (1933-2006)

**Wikidata**: [Q318885](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q318885)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mako_(actor))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mako

## Summary
Mako, born Makoto Iwamatsu, was a renowned Japanese-American actor active from 1959 until his death in 2006. He is best known for his extensive work across stage, film, and television, including his iconic role in the 1966 war film *The Sand Pebbles* and his voice acting in animated series like *Samurai Jack* and *Avatar: The Last Airbender*. His contributions to the entertainment industry were recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

## Biography
- **Born**: December 10, 1933 (Place not specified in source material)
- **Nationality**: Japanese-American (Citizenship: Japan, United States)
- **Education**: Attended the institution identified as Q7141555 (specific name not provided in source)
- **Known for**: Portraying characters in film, television, and stage productions; voice acting in major animated series; receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- **Employer(s)**: Not explicitly listed in source material; affiliated with productions including *The Sand Pebbles*, *Samurai Jack*, *Avatar: The Last Airbender*, and *TMNT*
- **Field(s)**: Acting (Stage, Film, Television), Voice Acting

## Contributions
Mako's primary contributions were his performances in dramatic and comic productions across multiple media formats.
- **Film**: He appeared in the 1966 American period war film *The Sand Pebbles*, directed by Robert Wise. He also lent his voice to the 2007 science fiction/martial arts CGI film *TMNT*, directed by Kevin Munroe.
- **Television**: He provided voice acting for the American animated television series *Samurai Jack* and *Avatar: The Last Airbender*.
- **Stage**: He worked as a stage actor, performing live before in-person audiences.
- **Recognition**: He was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California, United States.

## FAQs
**What was Mako's full name and nationality?**
His birth name was Makoto Iwamatsu, and he held citizenship in both Japan and the United States, identifying as a Japanese-American actor.

**Which major animated series featured Mako's voice work?**
Mako is well-known for his voice roles in *Samurai Jack* and *Avatar: The Last Airbender*, as well as the 2007 film *TMNT*.

**What live-action film is Mako most associated with?**
He is notably associated with the 1966 film *The Sand Pebbles*, a period war movie directed by Robert Wise.

**Did Mako receive any major industry awards?**
Yes, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, an award recognizing his contributions to the entertainment industry.

**When was Mako active in his career?**
His professional work period spanned from 1959 until 2006, the year of his death.

## Why They Matter
Mako's career bridged the gap between Japanese and American entertainment, providing authentic representation and depth to Asian characters in Hollywood during a time when such roles were often limited. His versatility allowed him to excel in live-action films like *The Sand Pebbles* while also shaping the voices of beloved characters in modern animation, influencing a generation of viewers through *Avatar: The Last Airbender* and *Samurai Jack*. Without his dedication to stage, film, and voice acting, the cultural landscape of American media would lack the specific gravitas and nuance he brought to his diverse roles. His legacy endures through the enduring popularity of the animated series he voiced and the historical significance of his film work.

## Notable For
- **Hollywood Walk of Fame Star**: Recipient of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in California.
- **The Sand Pebbles**: Key role in the 1966 Robert Wise-directed war film.
- **Voice Acting Legacy**: Iconic voice performances in *Samurai Jack* and *Avatar: The Last Airbender*.
- **TMNT**: Voice work in the 2007 CGI film *TMNT*.
- **Longevity**: A career spanning 47 years, from 1959 to 2006.
- **Dual Citizenship**: Held citizenship in both Japan and the United States.
- **Stage Presence**: Active as a stage actor performing live before audiences.

## Body

### Early Life and Identity
Mako was born on December 10, 1933. His birth name was Makoto Iwamatsu, and he is also known by the aliases Iwamatsu, Iwamatsu Makoto, and Mako Iwamatsu. He held citizenship in both Japan and the United States, identifying as a Japanese-American. His Japanese name is written as 岩松 信 (Iwamatsu Makoto) or マコ 岩松 (Mako Iwamatsu). He was educated at an institution referenced as Q7141555, though the specific name of the school is not detailed in the provided source material.

### Career Overview
Mako's professional life as an actor began in 1959 and continued until his death in 2006. He was a versatile performer who worked across three primary mediums: stage, film, and television. As a stage actor, he performed live before in-person audiences. As a film actor, he appeared in motion pictures, and as a television actor, he performed on TV. His occupation is classified under actor, film actor, stage actor, and television actor.

### Film and Television Works
One of his most significant live-action roles was in *The Sand Pebbles*, a 1966 American period war film directed by Robert Wise. In the realm of animation, Mako lent his voice to several major productions. He was a voice actor for *Samurai Jack*, an American animated television series. He also voiced characters in *Avatar: The Last Airbender*, another prominent American animated series. Additionally, he contributed his voice to *TMNT*, a 2007 science fiction and martial arts CGI film directed by Kevin Munroe. It is important to distinguish the actor Mako from the character named "Mako" who appears in *The Legend of Korra*.

### Awards and Recognition
Mako's contributions to the arts were formally recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This award is located in Hollywood, California, United States. This honor places him among the distinguished figures in the history of the entertainment industry.

### Personal Data and Identifiers
Mako passed away on July 21, 2006. His life spanned from 1933 to 2006. He is identified in various databases with specific codes, including IMDb ID nm0538683, Wikidata ID Q5 (instance of human), and various library control numbers such as LCCN n88169554 and GND 13733057X. His work period is recorded as starting in 1959 and ending in 2006. He is associated with the Wikipedia title "Mako (actor)" to distinguish him from other entities with the same name.

### Legacy and Influence
Mako's work in *The Sand Pebbles* and his extensive voice acting career in the 2000s left a lasting mark on American media. His ability to perform in live theater, film, and voice-over demonstrated a breadth of talent that influenced peers and audiences alike. The character Mako from *The Legend of Korra* shares his name, highlighting the cultural footprint of the actor's moniker. His career serves as a testament to the success of Japanese-American actors in Hollywood during the mid-to-late 20th century.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. datos.bne.es
3. general catalog of BnF
4. BnF authorities
5. SNAC
6. Internet Broadway Database
7. Find a Grave
8. Discogs
9. filmportal.de
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
11. Virtual International Authority File
12. The Movie Database
13. [Mako Iwamatsu (13 Character Images) - Behind The Voice Actors](https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Mako-Iwamatsu/)