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Photo of Tokuko Sugiyama

Tokuko Sugiyama

Actor
Born August 16, 1926Died August 28, 2014 (88 years)
Tokuko Sugiyama (杉山 とく子), also known by her birth name and former stage name Tokuko Sugiyama (杉山 徳子), was a Japanese actress born on August 16, 1926, in Tokyo. She is renowned for her notable roles in the film "The Town with a View of the Capsule" (キューポラのある街) and the TV dramas "Otoko wa Tsurai yo" (男はつらいよ) and "Wataru Seken wa Oni Bakari Series" (渡る世間は鬼ばかりシリーズ).

After completing her education at Jissen Women's Academy Second High School, Sugiyama initially worked as a nursery school teacher and in Chiba Newspaper's advertising department. Her journey into the entertainment industry began when she applied to Toho's New Face audition and later joined the Bungakuza theater company in 1946. Following two years of training, she became a part of the Haiyūza theater company in 1948 and marked her stage debut with "Tooku e no Hitsuji Goya" (遠くへの羊飼い) the same year.

Sugiyama's film debut occurred in 1949 with "Shiratori wa Kanashikarazu ya" (白鳥は悲しからずや). She played significant supporting roles throughout her career. Notably, in the TV drama "Otoko wa Tsurai yo," she portrayed Tora-san's sister, Tsune, and featured in various roles in the film series.

From 1990 onward, she portrayed Hanako Noda, the mother-in-law of the main character, in the TV drama "Wataru Seken wa Oni Bakari." Even at the age of 66 in 1992, she continued her acting career from a nursing home in Saitama Prefecture.

Sugiyama retired from the entertainment industry in 2005, with her final appearance in the 7th series of "Wataru Seken wa Oni Bakari." She passed away on August 28, 2014, at the age of 88 due to liver cancer.

Throughout her career, Sugiyama often collaborated with Kunio Yamazaki, Aiko Nagayama, and Akiko Matsuda. She was a recurring cast member in films directed by Yoji Yamada.

(Translated from Wikipedia Japan "杉山とく子")
Known For
  • Twelve Months
  • Horus: Prince of the Sun
  • Magic Boy
  • A Distant Cry from Spring
  • Village of Dreams
  • The Wild Swans
  • Foundry Town
  • Games
  • Tora-san's Runaway
  • The Village
  • Ajisai no uta

Filmography

2002
Border Line · as Cast
1996
Village of Dreams · as Grandmother
1991
Tora-san Confesses · as Old Woman
1990
Making It Through (TV Series)
1990
1989
1988
1987
A Taxing Woman · as Grocery Store Owner's Wife
1986
1985
1985
1982
1982
Hearts and Flowers for Tora-san · as Kagari's Mother
1981
1980
1980
A Distant Cry from Spring · as Housewife Next Door
1980
Twelve Months · as Stepmother
1978
1977
1977
The Wild Swans · as Witch (voice)
1976
Megapolis: Days Of Fight (TV Series) · as Cast
1975
1975
1971
Games · as Girl's Mother
1970
1968
Horus: Prince of the Sun · as Chahal (voice)
1962
Foundry Town · as Tomi (jun's Mother)
1960
Ajisai no uta · as Miss Hayama
1959
Magic Boy · as Cast
1959
1959
1954

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