Rodney Kageyama
Rodney Kageyama | |
|---|---|
| Born | Rodney Masao Kageyama[1] November 1, 1941[1] |
| Died | December 9, 2018 (aged 77)[2] |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1965–2018 |
| Spouse | Ken White[2] |
Rodney Masao Kageyama (November 1, 1941 – December 9, 2018) was an American stage, film and TV actor.[3] He was a Nisei Japanese American (second-generation) and besides acting in Asian American theater groups, he was also a director and designer. With his roles in the “Gung Ho” film and television series and the “Karate Kid” franchise, he was a trailblazer for Asian Americans in Hollywood.[2]
Career
Theatre
Born in nearby San Mateo, Kageyama began his career in San Francisco in 1965 as one of the original members of the
In 1993, Kageyama directed The Grapevine, written by Grateful Crane Ensemble founder Soji Kashiwagi, produced at the Los Angeles Theatre Center.[citation needed]
In spring 2001, Kageyama played Erronius in an all Asian American production of the musical, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum at EWP in Los Angeles.[7]
Film and television
He acted on many films, notably
Kageyama befriended Chris Tashima, founder of Cedar Grove OnStage, on the set of a Coca-Cola commercial shoot in 1984.[8] Kageyama has subsequently costume designed and served as a crew member on different short films directed by Tashima, including the Academy Award-winning Visas and Virtue (1997).[8]
Personal life
Kageyama was heavily involved in community activity, often volunteering for various organizations. He served as an
In 2007, Kageyama was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He underwent chemotherapy and as of spring 2008 was declared cancer-free.[citation needed] He had numerous other health issues including dealing with complications from HIV for decades before his death. He had both hips replaced and walked with a cane. In his last years, he was on dialysis due to a kidney illness.[2]
He married his long time partner, Ken White, in 2013 when California legalized same-sex unions. They remained together until his death.[2]
Honors and awards
- 2006 "Community Treasures" Award, Cherry Blossom Festival of Southern California[9]
- 2005 "Rae Creevey" Award (for volunteer service), East West Players 39th Anniversary Awards[11]
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Best Friends | Meter Reader | |
| 1985 | Teen Wolf | Janitor | |
| 1986 | Gung Ho | Ito | |
| 1988 | Vibes | Dr. Harmon | |
| 1988 | Lucky Stiff |
Tailor | |
| 1989 | Let It Ride | Patron in Chinese Restaurant | |
| 1990 | Pretty Woman | Japanese Businessman | |
| 1991 | Showdown in Little Tokyo | Eddie | |
| 1994 | The Next Karate Kid | Monk | |
| 1999 | Godzilla 2000 | Voice | |
| 2000 | Stanley's Gig | Jeff Fujisaki | |
| 2014 | The Three Dogateers | Mr. Hiroshi |
References
- ^ a b c "Rodney Kageyama (birth reference)". FamilySearch.org. Retrieved March 14, 2017.
- ^ a b c d e Reyes-Velarde, Alejandra (December 13, 2018). "Rodney Kageyama, actor and beloved Little Tokyo icon, dies at 77". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 14, 2018.
- ^ Mike Barnes (December 14, 2018). "Rodney Kageyama, 'Gung Ho' Actor and Asian-American Activist, Dies at 77". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 14, 2018.
- ^ ISBN 978-1-4766-3655-9.
- ^ a b "Kageyama bio on "Pawns of the King" website". pawnsoftheking.com. Retrieved December 14, 2018.
- ^ "Production Awards:1986 Drama-Logue Awards". East West Players. Archived from the original on November 19, 2007.
- ^ "Rodney Kageyama". IMDb. Retrieved December 14, 2018.
- ^ a b "help rodney kageyama". Retrieved December 20, 2019.
- ^ a b History on Cherry Blossom Festival website Archived July 4, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Brief bio following "Daikon Ashi" by Kageyama at JANM online
- ^ EWP 39th Awards on AA Theatre Revue
External links
- Rodney Kageyama at IMDb