Sakamoto Takeshi was a Japanese actor born in Sakagoshi, Ago, Hyogo, Japan. His real name was Nagai Takehei (永石武平).

After graduating from Sakagoshi Elementary School, he initially worked at a watch shop in Osaka, Japan. However, his life took a turn when he attended a magic show performed by the Matsukyokusai Tenkatsu Troupe. He ended up participating as an assistant in the magic tricks after being called onto the stage. This experience ignited his desire to become an entertainer, leading him to join a traveling troupe in 1921 for regional tours.

In 1923, after his troupe disbanded, Sakamoto Takeshi went to the Shochiku Kamata Studios to seek work. There, he happened to witness actors hesitating to jump into a river from a high place for a scene. Without hesitation, he volunteered and successfully performed the stunt. Impressed by his bravery and enthusiasm, he was hired by Shochiku Kamata Studios the same year. Despite not initially receiving significant roles, he transferred to the studio's period drama department in 1924 after the closure of the Kamata studio.

On November 5, 1927, the period drama department of the Kamata Studios was abolished, prompting a shift to contemporary drama. In January 1933, he was promoted to a managerial position.

In 1953, he became a freelancer, and in the following year, 1954, he joined the actor group called the Madoka Group. In 1958, he signed with Toho and continued his career in film acting while also venturing into television dramas.

On May 7, 1966, while filming the drama "What is Youth," Sakamoto collapsed on set and retired from acting. He passed away on May 10, 1974, in Genkai-cho, Munakata, Fukuoka, Japan, at the home of his eldest daughter, due to heart failure. He was 74 years old at the time of his death.

(Source: Japanese = Wikipedia || Translation = kisskh) Edit Biography