Kisaburō Kurihara
Actor
About Kisaburō Kurihara
Kisaburō Kurihara was a Japanese actor who appeared during the early silent film era of American cinema. His known film work consists of a single appearance in the 1914 production 'The Wrath of the Gods,' which was one of the pioneering films to feature an Asian cast in leading roles. The film was produced by Thomas H. Ince at his Inceville studio and was notable for its dramatic portrayal of a volcanic eruption in Japan. Kurihara was part of a small but significant group of Japanese actors working in Hollywood during this period, which included more prominent figures like Sessue Hayakawa and Tsuru Aoki. His career appears to have been extremely brief, with no other film credits documented beyond this 1914 production. Like many supporting actors from the silent era, particularly those of Asian descent, detailed biographical information remains scarce and fragmented.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in 'The Wrath of the Gods' (1914), one of the early American films featuring an Asian cast in leading roles
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Kisaburō Kurihara, though appearing in only one known film, was part of a groundbreaking movement in early American cinema that featured Asian actors in significant roles during a time when most Asian characters were played by white actors in yellowface. 'The Wrath of the Gods' was notable for its authentic casting and representation of Japanese culture, even though it was filtered through American filmmakers' perspectives. The film's success helped pave the way for greater opportunities for Asian actors in Hollywood, particularly for Japanese performers who would become more prominent in subsequent years. Kurihara's participation, however brief, contributed to this early chapter of Asian representation in American cinema.
Lasting Legacy
Due to the extremely limited documentation of his career, Kisaburō Kurihara's legacy is primarily preserved through his participation in 'The Wrath of the Gods,' which survives as an important example of early attempts at multicultural casting in Hollywood. His story represents the broader narrative of countless Asian actors who appeared in early American cinema but whose contributions have been largely lost to history due to inadequate record-keeping and the marginalization of minority performers during the silent era. The film itself remains a subject of study for film historians examining early representations of Asian culture in American media.
Who They Inspired
As a supporting actor with only one known credit, Kisaburō Kurihara's direct influence on subsequent performers is difficult to trace. However, his participation in early films featuring authentic Asian casting contributed to the gradual acceptance of Asian performers in American cinema, which would eventually lead to greater opportunities for future generations of Asian actors in Hollywood.
Off Screen
Very little is known about Kisaburō Kurihara's personal life, as was common for many supporting actors of Asian descent in early Hollywood who were often not documented in mainstream press coverage.
Did You Know?
- Appeared in only one known film during his entire career
- Was part of the cast of 'The Wrath of the Gods,' which featured an actual volcanic eruption sequence filmed on location
- Worked alongside Sessue Hayakawa, who would become one of the first Asian movie stars in Hollywood
- The film he appeared in was produced by Thomas H. Ince, one of the pioneering figures of early Hollywood
- His film was one of the early American productions to feature Japanese actors in Japanese roles rather than white actors in yellowface
- The film's plot centered around a volcanic eruption in Japan, which was a sensational subject for 1914 audiences
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Kisaburō Kurihara?
Kisaburō Kurihara was a Japanese actor who appeared in American silent films during the early 1910s. He is known primarily for his role in the 1914 film 'The Wrath of the Gods,' which appears to be his only documented film credit.
What films is Kisaburō Kurihara best known for?
Kisaburō Kurihara is known only for his appearance in 'The Wrath of the Gods' (1914), an early American silent film featuring an Asian cast and directed by Reginald Barker.
When was Kisaburō Kurihara born and when did he die?
Specific birth and death dates for Kisaburō Kurihara are not documented in available historical records, which was common for many supporting actors from the silent era, particularly those of Asian descent.
What awards did Kisaburō Kurihara win?
There are no documented awards or nominations for Kisaburō Kurihara, as he had a very brief film career during the early silent era when formal acting awards were not yet established.
What was Kisaburō Kurihara's acting style?
Due to the limited documentation of his work and the fact that only one of his films survives, Kisaburō Kurihara's specific acting style cannot be definitively determined from available sources.
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Films
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