Hisaya Morishige

Renowned actor Morishige dies at 96

Tuesday 10th November, 10:00 PM JST

TOKYO —

Renowned actor Hisaya Morishige, the first recipient of the Order of Culture in the field of popular art, died Tuesday at a Tokyo hospital, his management office said. He was 96.

A native of Osaka, Morishige started his film career after World War II, and rose to stardom after playing the role of a spoiled son from a rich family in 1955 human drama ‘‘Meoto Zenzai,’’ and performing in comedy movies known as the ‘‘Shacho’’ series and the ‘‘Ekimae’’ series after their titles.

He was also involved in musicals and set a record in performing ‘‘Yane No Ue No Baiorin-hiki’’ (Fiddler on the Roof) 900 times, while also performing in TV dramas and radio programs. Morishige was successful in singing and song-writing as well, with his hit songs including ‘‘Shiretoko Ryojo.’‘

After becoming the head of the Japan Actors Union, he strived to improve the status of actors, and was given the Order of Culture by the Japanese government in 1991.

His written works include his autobiography ‘‘Morishige Jiden.’’

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5 Comments

timorborder at 10:53 PM JST - 10th November

Pretty sad to here about this one. This guy was probably one of the biggest stars of his generation, being extremely versatile in the range of characters he could play.
kp123 at 02:22 AM JST - 11th November

Remembered him well while growing up in the early and mid-50's. Saw his movies that were second or third billed at the local theaters. Unusually funny and humerous from a human nature standpoint rather than just mere slap-stick. Good man.
inthefog81 at 08:04 AM JST - 11th November

Can't belive they had a special report about this flashing across the TV last night. Not very important, everybody dies, even actors.
ppayne at 02:46 PM JST - 12th November

He played Otokko, the boar, in Princess Mononoke.
hichhocx at 08:47 AM JST - 15th November

it is pretty sad to lose this former of japanese art.