Dekao Yokoo

Biography

Born in Saga Prefecture in 1899. His real name was Yokoo Isamu. After studying at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts (now the Tokyo University of Fine Arts and Music), he spent two years as an instructor at the Utsunomiya High School for Girls in Tochigi Prefecture, and then one year of military service. In 1923, he joined the art department of Shochiku Kamata studio. However, due to his unusually large size (a height of 185 centimeters and a weight of 98 kilograms), he was tapped as an actor. The following year he appeared in Haru wa Koreri (Spring Has Come), starring Suzuki Denmei, and began his screen career under the name Yokoo Dekao. At Shochiku, Yokoo mainly appeared in films starring Suzuki Denmei. These included Koi no Senshu (The Loving Motorcycle Man), Zoge no To and Fuyuyasumi. In 1927, he was also given a minor administrative position. From 1928, Yoko began to appear in comedy shorts, including Kameko, Tori no Me Taka no Me and Iroke Tappuri. He also played leading roles in Onna wa Tsuyokute Hitorimono and Ne, Kofun Shichaiya. He also appeared as one of the leads in the Ozu Yasujiro film, Rakudai wa Shita Keredo. Other films Yokoo appeared in include Majan, Yukannaru Koi, Yume no Ukihashi and Hiren Shinjugaoka. In 1931, Yokoo took part in the founding of Fuji Films and appeared in Eikan Namida Ari, among others. After the Fuji Films was dissolved in 1933, he worked on Warai no Okoku with Furukawa Roppa. Later, he stayed active with PCL Films and elsewhere. After World War II, Yokoo returned to work for Shochiku, appearing in Shimikin no Kentoo and Kurosawa Akira's Tora no O wo Fumu Otokotachi. He retired after his appearance in Nakano Genji no Boken for Toei in 1955.