Japanese actor James Shigeta who played the lead role in the 1961 film 'Flower Drum Song' died of pulmonary failure at age 85 on July 28 of this year.

The actor died at a living facility in Beverly Hills after his health began declining subsequent to a stroke the actor had suffered two years ago, his sister-in-law, Ellie Shigeta, stated.

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The actor started off as a singer in Japan and also served in the American Military during the Korean War in the 1950s.

The actor started a singing career in Las Vegas which got him doing movies. His first Hollywood role had been for 'The Crimson Kimono' where he was a detective who falls for the character played by actress Victoria Shaw.

In 1660, the Japanese actor won a Golden Globe as most promising newcomer. Shigeta challenged social boundaries being one of the first Asian-Americans who played leading roles in Hollywood.

He played the lead roles for several movies including 'Bridge to the Sun' which was filmed the same year as 'Flower Drum Song,' a film about arranged marriages among the Chinese and Americans.

He played the role of Wang Ta in the movie. His character portrays a man who is confused as to what his real feelings are for the leading lady. During one of his interviews for the movie, James Shigeta described his character as "naïve, almost stupid."

The actor didn't make it big as a lead actor, however, his career continued as a character actor both on television and the big screen. He has played roles in 'Hawaii Five-O', 'Medical Center', 'Fantasy Island' and 'The Love Boat'.

He also played the role of an executive who got shot for refusing to reveal the security code to the villain in 'Die Hard' in 1988.

The actor died in his sleep Monday, July 28, 2014.

TagsJames Shigeta, Die Hard, Flower Drum Song, death