Professor Toru Tanaka

[Mofo Rising]

This always p**ses me off.  Professor Toru Tanaka died last year at the age of 70, and I never heard a thing about it.

So I'm starting this belated thread in honor of his memory.  What are your favorite moments of the Professor put to film?

I of course enjoy his role as the villain Subzero in THE RUNNING MAN.  I also enjoyed his cameo in PEE WEE'S BIG ADVENTURE.

I have to say I've always enjoyed his presence on screen.  I'm sorry this big man of intelligence had to pass away.  I'd say so soon, but 70 is a ripe old age, and he never looked anywhere near that age.  He did THE RUNNING MAN when he was 57, which I never would have guessed.

So in honor of the more than honorable Professor, I dedicate this thread to his inimitable presence on the cinema screen.  Tell me your impressions.

http://us.imdb.com/Name?Tanaka,+Professor+Toru

[Lester1/2jr.]

Wasn't he in wrestling like w/ Mr Saito?

[Law Dog]

This was the first I had heard of his passing. He will be missed. It was a lot like this with Steve James (American Ninja I & II, Delta Force) who I didn't know had passed on for over a year after his death.

[Mofo Rising]

This is what his IMDb entry has to say:

"Former 3 time WWWF (now WWF) Tag Team Champion, with Mr Fuji. "

[Lester1/2jr.]

Hercules Hernandez could not be reached for comment.  I wonder if Tanaka was on that WWF Rock'n Wrestling album.