Sessue Hayakawa

Date of Birth: June 10, 1889

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: November 23, 1973

Biography

Sessue Hayakawa was a pioneering Japanese actor who became one of the first Asian stars in Hollywood. Born Kintaro Hayakawa in Minamiboso, Chiba, Japan, he initially pursued a career in the Japanese navy but was forced to abandon this goal due to a severe ear injury. Hayakawa moved to the United States to study economics at the University of Chicago but soon found his calling in acting. He debuted in the silent film “The Typhoon” (1914) and quickly gained fame for his role in “The Cheat” (1915), which established him as a leading man in Hollywood. Throughout his career, Hayakawa appeared in over 80 films across different countries, including Japan, France, and the United States. He worked with major studios and film legends, earning critical acclaim for his talent and charisma. His most notable role came later in his career when he portrayed Colonel Saito in the Academy Award-winning film “The Bridge on the River Kwai” (1957), for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Hayakawa was also a successful producer and founded his own production company, Haworth Pictures Corporation, which produced films featuring Asian actors in prominent roles. Despite facing racial discrimination and being typecast in villainous roles, Hayakawa’s talent and perseverance allowed him to break barriers and pave the way for future generations of Asian actors in Hollywood.

5 Interesting Facts about Sessue Hayakawa

1. Sessue Hayakawa was one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood during the silent film era, earning $2,000 to $5,000 per week.

2. He was a skilled athlete and held a black belt in judo, which contributed to his dynamic on-screen presence.

3. Hayakawa was fluent in English, French, and Japanese, allowing him to work in international film markets.

4. He converted to Zen Buddhism later in life and spent his final years as a Zen master.

5. Despite the racial prejudices of his time, Hayakawa was often cast as a romantic lead opposite white actresses, which was groundbreaking for Asian actors in Hollywood.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Sessue Hayakawa

1. “I want to be an actor, not just an Oriental actor.”

2. “My one ambition is to play a hero.”

3. “I was determined to go on with my work, regardless of what others said.”

4. “The film industry is a difficult place for any actor, but it has its rewards.”

5. “Art knows no nationality.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Sessue Hayakawa’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million, which is equivalent to approximately $30 million today when adjusted for inflation.

Children

Sessue Hayakawa had three children with his wife, Tsuru Aoki, who was also a pioneering Japanese actress. Their children’s names are Yoshiko, Fujiko, and Fujio.