Shigeta was of a generation of "there are five Asian actors in Hollywood," reliably showing up on dozens of TV shows, often multiple times in different guest roles. Some noteworthy appearances (to me, at least) included the ill-fated executive/developer in _Die Hard_ (Bruce Willis' wife's boss), and the ill-fated executive/industrialist in the "Babylon 5" episode "Spider in the Web" (Talia Winters' old friend).
(Yeah, his craggy, earnest looks netted him a lot of "executive" roles in his years, as well as doctors, professors, and the like.)
He was also the voice of the ill-fated General Li in Mulan.
Hmmm.
And two (!) separate roles in "The Outer Limits" — Major Jong (crippled but not killed in the excellent episode "Nightmare") and Captain Newa (a bit part in the equally excellent second season "The Inheritors").
Thanks, sir, for all your fine work.
(h/t +Mary Oswell)
James Shigeta Dead at 81: Character Actor and Singer Had Memorable Roles in Die Hard and Flower Drum Song | E! Online
James Shigeta started off by conquering the American Idol of his day. The singer and character ac…
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I just saw this. I knew him first from his Outer Limits work. I loved his performance in "Nightmare." After that, I would hear his voice and recognize him in a new role. Missed all of his work after the 80s. Nice to see he was still getting jobs five years ago.