Professor Toru Tanaka

Born:January 6, 1930

Place of Birth:Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

Died:August 22, 2000

Known For:Acting

Biography

Professor Toru Tanaka was a multi-talented individual who left a lasting impact in various fields throughout his life. Born with a diverse skill set, he excelled not only as a professional wrestler and boxer but also as a college football player, soldier, actor, and martial artist. His versatility and dedication to mastering different disciplines set him apart in the world of sports and entertainment.

Beyond his achievements in the fighting rings, Professor Tanaka also shared his expertise by teaching martial arts in Dallas, Texas. His commitment to passing on his knowledge to young athletes with potential for football greatness showcased his passion for mentoring and shaping future talents. Among his students was David Randle, a standout football player whose training under Professor Tanaka began at a young age and played a pivotal role in his success on the field.

Randle's journey from being one of the most awarded high school football players in Texas history to contributing to two Rose Bowl victories at UCLA was a testament to the profound influence of Professor Tanaka's teachings. The techniques and skills instilled by Professor Tanaka remained a cornerstone of Randle's football career, underscoring the impact of his mentorship on shaping elite athletes.

Throughout his career, Professor Tanaka's legacy extended beyond the realm of sports, as he ventured into the world of acting, showcasing his talents on the big screen. His ability to transition seamlessly between different professions highlighted his versatility and adaptability, further solidifying his reputation as a multifaceted individual with a wide range of talents.

As a soldier, Professor Tanaka demonstrated courage and dedication in serving his country, embodying values of discipline and resilience that permeated every aspect of his life. His experiences in the military undoubtedly shaped his character and instilled in him a sense of duty and honor that he carried with him throughout his endeavors in sports, entertainment, and beyond.

Professor Toru Tanaka's impact on the lives of those he mentored and inspired, such as David Randle, reverberates through the annals of sports history, leaving a lasting legacy that transcends generations. His dedication to excellence, coupled with his unwavering commitment to sharing his knowledge and skills, cements his place as a revered figure in the realms of martial arts, football, and entertainment.

In the tapestry of his remarkable life, Professor Tanaka's contributions stand as a testament to the power of mentorship, perseverance, and passion in shaping the destinies of individuals and influencing the trajectory of entire industries. His influence on the world of sports and entertainment endures as a reminder of the transformative impact one person can have on the lives of many, leaving an indelible mark that resonates far beyond his time.

Images

Filmography

Acting

The Running Man

Subzero

1987

By 2017, the global economy has collapsed and U.S. society has become a totalitarian police state, censoring all cultural activity. The government pacifies the populace by broadcasting a number of game shows in which convicted criminals fight for their lives, including the gladiator-style The Running Man, hosted by the ruthless Damon Killian, where “runners” attempt to evade “stalkers” and certain death for a chance to be pardoned and set free.

Last Action Hero

Tough Asian Man

1993

After his father's death, a young boy finds solace in action movies featuring an indestructible cop. Given a magic ticket by a theater manager, he is transported into the film and teams up with the cop to stop a villain who escapes into the real world.

3 Ninjas

Rushmore

1992

Each year, three brothers Samuel, Jeffrey and Michael Douglas visits their Japanese grandfather, Mori Shintaro whom the boys affectionately refer to as Grandpa, for the summer. Mori is a highly skilled in the fields of Martial arts and Ninjutsu, and for years he has trained the boys in his techniques. After an organized crime ring proves to be too much for the FBI, it's time for the 3 brother NINJAS! To use their martial arts skills, they team up to battle the crime ring and outwit some very persistent kidnappers!

Black Rain

Sugai's Man

1989

Two New York cops get involved in a gang war between members of the Yakuza, the Japanese Mafia. They arrest one of their killers and are ordered to escort him back to Japan. However, in Japan he manages to escape, and as they try to track him down, they get deeper and deeper into the Japanese Mafia scene and they have to learn that they can only win by playing the game—the Japanese way.

Darkman

Chinese Warrior #2

1990

Dr. Peyton Westlake is on the verge of realizing a major breakthrough in synthetic skin when his laboratory is destroyed by gangsters. Having been burned beyond recognition and forever altered by an experimental medical procedure, Westlake becomes known as Darkman, assuming alternate identities in his quest for revenge and a new life with a former love.

Pee-wee's Big Adventure

Butler

1985

The eccentric and childish Pee-wee Herman embarks on a big adventure when his beloved bicycle is stolen. Armed with information from a fortune-teller and a relentless obsession with his prized possession, Pee-wee encounters a host of odd characters and bizarre situations as he treks across the country to recover his bike.

Missing in Action 2: The Beginning

Lao

1985

Prequel to the first Missing In Action, set in the early 1980s it shows the capture of Colonel Braddock during the Vietnam war in the 1970s, and his captivity with other American POWs in a brutal prison camp, and his plans to escape.

The Perfect Weapon

Tanaka

1991

Jeff, a young delinquent, is enrolled by his father in a kenpo school, in the hopes of teaching the boy some self-discipline. Years later, Jeff's mentor, Kim, is being threatened by one of the Korean mafia families. Jeff tries to help his old friend, but is too late to prevent Kim's death at the hands of an unknown hitman. Vowing revenge, Jeff takes on all of the families, using his martial arts skills to find the man who killed his friend.