Hiroyuki Sanada Biography

At the young age of 5 years old Sanada debuted in Rokyoku komori-uta (1965)(Sonny Chiba played the lead role.) At 11, his father passed away- and at 12 he joined Japan Action Club, an organization run by Sonny Chiba. Sanada first became famous as an action star for his role inYagyû ichizoku no inbô (1978), and currently he is known as one of the most talented actors in Japan. Sanada was in an english language production of "King Lear" with the Royal Shakespeare Co From 1999to 2000. He was the firstJapanese actor to play with the RSC. For this achievement he received an honorary MBE (Memberof the British Empire).