Chishu Ryu was a renowned Japanese film actor, cherished by the acclaimed director Yasujiro Ozu. Born on May 13, 1904, in Kumamoto, Japan, Ryu's remarkable career spanned over six decades, with his first film appearance dating back to 1928.
Throughout his illustrious career, Ryu appeared in an astonishing 155 films, including some of Ozu's most celebrated works, such as the 1953 classic, Tokyo Story. His impressive filmography also includes notable titles like Yoshitaro Nomura's Castle of Sand, released in 1974.
In the latter part of his career, Ryu became a beloved figure among a new generation of film enthusiasts, thanks to his iconic portrayal of a curmudgeonly yet benevolent Buddhist priest in Yoji Yamada's beloved Tora-san movie series. This memorable role earned him a cameo appearance in Juzo Itami's 1984 comedy, The Funeral, where he humorously parodied his iconic character.
Tragically, Ryu's life came to a close on March 16, 1993, in Yokohama, Japan, leaving behind a legacy as one of Japan's most treasured film actors.
