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Ken Watanabe (Japanese: WATANABE Ken, Kanji: 渡辺謙) (born WATANABE Kensaku on October 21, 1959, Oide, Niigata prefecture, Japan) is a theatre, TV, and film actor.
Watanabe began his career on stage, with the Tokyo-based theater troupe Madoka. While with the troupe, he was casted as the hero in the play Shimodani Mannencho Monogatari, under Yukio Ninagawa's direction. The role attracted critical and popular notice.
Both of Ken's parents were teachers. His mother taught general education and his dad taught calligraphy. He became interested in acting at the age of 24 when a director of England's National Theatre Company told him that acting was his special gift, when he studied there.
Ken is mostly known in Japan for playing Samurai. He incorporates the Samurai's values in his daily life by not amassing to many material possessions and by living his life with honor, pride and discipline. "The Last Samurai" is his fourth film and he has also starred in roles as a gangster, a businessmen and a general.
Ken is currently separated from his wife and has two children, an 18 year old daughter who is working as a model and a son, Hiroshi who is 20 years old.
In 1982, Watanabe made his television debut in Michinaru Hanran (Unknown Rebellion). In 1987, he displayed a regal bearing and powerful presence in NHK's successful Samurai drama series Dokuganryu Masamune, and went on to earn acclaim in such historical dramas as the TV shows Oda Nobunaga, Chushingura, and the movie Bakumatsu Junjyo Den.
Additionally, Watanabe's consummate skills have contributed to such projects as Ikebukuro West Gate Park, Anata ga Hoshii (I Want You) for television and the movies Space Travelers, Oboreru Sakana (Drowning Fish) and The Sun Rises Again.
In February 2003, Watanabe was seen in Shin Jinginaki Tatakai/Bosatsu (Fight Without Loyalty/Murder) an updated version of the popular Yakuza movie series. He will also appear in the upcoming film T.R.Y.Filmography
Awards and nominations
