Brian Tochi
Brian Tochi
Brian Keith Tochihara, known professionally as Brian Tochi, was born on May 2, 1959, in Los Angeles, California. He is a versatile American actor, voice actor, director, producer, and screenwriter.
Early Career and Television Work
Tochi began his career as a child actor, becoming one of the most visible East Asian child actors on American television. He appeared in numerous TV series, including "The Streets of San Francisco," "Kung Fu," and "Police Story." In the mid-1970s, he took to the stage, notably reprising his role as Crown Prince Chulalongkorn in a revival of "The King and I" alongside Ricardo Montalbán.
Notable Roles
Tochi is perhaps best known for his roles in popular film franchises. He played Cadet Tomoko Nogata in "Police Academy 3: Back in Training" (1986) and "Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol" (1987). Additionally, he voiced Leonardo in the first three "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" films (1990, 1991, 1993).
Voice Acting and Animation
Tochi's voice acting credentials are extensive, including roles in animated series like "Bionic Six," "Challenge of the GoBots," "The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest," and "Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm" where he voiced Liu Kang. He also provided voices for characters in numerous animated films such as "Mulan," "The Lion King," "Toy Story," and "The Iron Giant."
Other Works and Achievements
Beyond acting, Tochi has also ventured into writing, directing, and producing. In 2004, he co-wrote, produced, and directed "Tales of a Fly on the Wall," a live-action comedy. He has also been recognized for his screenplay work, winning top honors at the Hollywood Film Festival for "In the Heat of the Light."
Legacy
Brian Tochi's career spans several decades, and his work continues to influence the entertainment industry. He remains an iconic figure, especially noted for his contributions to the representation of Asian characters in Hollywood.