HEART OF A DRAGON, NAME OF THE SHARK
I dedicate this short story to the memory of Makoto Iwamatsu, to his family and to my friends who are presently battling cancer.
HEART OF A DRAGON, NAME OF THE SHARK
By Peter Vuono
The sunny afternoon of Sept. 14, 2013 was one of the happiest days of my life. My son Mike passed his Black Belt test after a 9 year journey in front of the number one ranked Kenpo artist in the world- Pasadena's Master Larry Tatum. Wiping away the tears I thought of all his training and hard work and about his teachers who spent so much time with him to bring him to this moment.
However there were others who inspired my son through film. They were every bit a part of his training as were his teachers. There were many names but one in particular that I thought of was the late, great actor Mako.
Makoto Iwamatsu was born in Japan in 1933. His parents were political dissidents and decided during World War II to send their son to the United States in the protection of his grandmother. His parents joined their son in 1949 and in the 1950's Makoto, who later shortened his name to Mako, joined the military in the 1950's. He originally sought to be an architect but after perfroming in some military plays, he decided to hone his talent of acting.
In 1956, he became a naturalized citizen and received acting training at the Pasadena Community Playhouse.Later, because he became disheartened with the stereotypical characters given to Asian actors, Mako with a few friends formed one of the first Asian American acting companies in America- The East, West Players Theater Company where he worked until 1989.
Mako's talent was second to none. He received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in the 1966 film, The Sand Pebbles. His portrayal of the tortured/martyred coolie Po-Han was so gut wrentching and cathartic that I don't think I could see it another time.
He received a Tony award nomination on Broadway for the 1976 play Pacific Overtures. He went on to star in 153 movies and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7095 Hollywood Blvd.
Mako succumbed to esophageal cancer on July 21, 2006. Although it is true that he lost that battle, he more than won the war in the impeccable manner in which he lived his life. He left behind a legacy that most of us can only dream of.
In addition to leaving behind a devoted wife and family who were all talented actresses, he, like Bruce Lee, gave the Asian people a face. It wasn't just any face however, but one of pride, honor, strength , dignity, respect and equanimity with the many characters of strength that he portrayed.
One of Mako's roles will stay with me and my son forever. It is where he portrays the strong, kind and patient "Mr. Lee" in Chuck Norris' Sidekicks. Mako portrays a karate trainer who turns the life around of a boy who is bullied and has no self esteem. Every time Michael and I watch the film we go to the gym and train all the harder. He has always been part of our training and our lives. In this way, the man with the heart of a dragon and the name of the shark will always be with us.
"Thoughts backed by faith will overcome all obstacles" Bruce Lee
