17 Facts About Joe Shishido

Joe Shishido was a Japanese actor recognizable for his intense, eccentric yakuza film roles.

Joe Shishido appeared in some 300 films but is best known in the West for his performance in the cult film Branded to Kill.

Joe Shishido was born in the Kita Ward of Osaka, Japan.

Joe Shishido had two older brothers, one younger sister and a younger brother who became an actor under the name Eiji Go.

Joe Shishido was one of 21 selected from 8,000 applicants.

Joe Shishido dropped out of school and began working for Nikkatsu, appearing in small film roles.

In 1954, Joe Shishido signed on as a contract player at Nikkatsu.

Joe Shishido's altered look has been described both as "ruggedly handsome", and as chipmunk-like.

Joe Shishido's first starring role was in Joe of Aces-Gambling for a Living aka Rokudenashi Kagyo directed by Buichi Saito.

Joe Shishido's best known film internationally is Suzuki's Branded to Kill, in which he starred as the number three hitman in Japan.

Joe Shishido later recalled seeing the film with friends and finding the theater nearly deserted.

Joe Shishido began taking roles with other companies and in television, which were primarily of a comic nature.

Joe Shishido starred in Nikkatsu "new action" films such as the all-star vehicle Yakuza Bird of Passage:Bad Guys' Work, with Akira Kobayashi and Tetsuya Watari, and Bloody Battle.

In 1971, Joe Shishido ended his contract and left the failing company, which had transitioned into softcore roman porno films in order to stay profitable.

Joe Shishido continued to work in television and appeared in films for other studios such as the fifth installment of Toei's highly popular yakuza series Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Final Episode.

Joe Shishido was not at home at the time, and no one was injured.

Joe Shishido was found in his home on January 21,2020, having died on January 18,2020.