Tsuru Aoki

About

Japanese actress who was popular from 1910 to the 1920s and was one of the first Asian actresses to gain recognition in American films.

Before Fame

She emigrated to Los Angeles from Tokyo in 1903 and began performing on stage in productions at LA's Japanese Theatre. Eventually she was noticed by producer Thomas Ince and offered her film role.

Trivia

She was adopted by her uncle when she was a young girl.

Family Life

She was married to Sessue Hayakawa from 1914 until 1961.

Associated With

Hideko Takamine replaced her as one of the most popular Japanese actresses in the world.