reported by Deadline. Born in the city of Kumamoto on the Japanese island of Kyushu, Shimada landed her first TV role in the 1970 drama “Osanazuma.” Her other TV credits include “Kamen Rider,” “Karei-naru Ichizoku” and “Shiroi Kyoto.”In “Shōgun” — which was based on the James Clavelle novel — the actress portrayed Hosokawa Gracia, a real-life member of the aristocratic Akechi family.
Shimada did not speak fluent English but was one of the few actors in the cast that had an English-speaking role, according to Deadline.
The portrayal brought her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama and an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.She also appeared in several other movies, including “Little Champion” (a k a “My Champion”), “The Deep Red” and “To Live as an Actress.”Her 1974 film “Castle of Sand” was nominated for the Golden Prize at the Moscow International Film Festival.
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