Kyo, Machiko (1924–)

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Kyo, Machiko (1924–)

Japanese actress. Name variations: Machiko Kyô; real name, Yano Motoko. Born in Osaka, Japan, Mar 25, 1924.

A veteran of over 90 films, began career as a dancer; displayed surprising dramatic skill as vulnerable wife of a samurai in Rashomon, the Kurosawa masterpiece (1950); was subsequently featured in a string of movies in a wide variety of roles (1950s–60s); worked with some of Japan's most notable directors, including Kenji Mizoguchi (Ugetsu, Street of Shame, and Princess Yang Kwei Fei), Kon Ichikawa (Odd Obsession), Yasujiro Ozu (Floating Weeds), and Shiro Toyoda (Sweet Sweat); appeared in US film The Teahouse of the August Moon (1956) with Marlon Brando.