Profile of Kaori Momoi on Famous Like Me

Kaori Momoi (桃井 かおり Momoi Kaori; born April 8, 1952 in Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese actress.

Biography

Who is Kaori Momoi?

Tracing her roots is easy enough: Momoi was born in Tokyo, and at the young age of 12 traveled to London to study dance at the Royal Ballet Academy. After 3 years she returned to Tokyo, later graduating from Japanﾕs Bungakuza School of Dramatic Arts. In 1971, Momoi debuted in director Kon Ichikawaﾕs ﾔAi Futatabiﾕ (Love Again) beginning a career that has already spanned 35 years and over 60 films.

As an actress, she has worked with some of the best films directors in Japan, including Akira Kurosawa (Kagemusha, 1980), Tatsumi Kumashiro (Seishun no Satetsu, 1974), Yoji Yamada (The Yellow Handkerchief, 1977 and Otoko wa Tsuraiyo, 1979), Shohei Imamura (Why Not?, 1981), Shunji Iwai (Swallowtail Butterfly, 1996), Jun Ichikawa (Tokyo Yakyoku, 1997), Koki Mitani (Welcome Back, Mr. McDonald, 1997), Yoshimitsu Morita (Like Asura, 2003) and, most recently , Takashi Miike in the film IZO to be released in----- 2005. She has also performed in ﾔThe Sunﾕ (2005) directed by Alexander Sokurov and will soon appear in director Rob Marshallﾕs upcoming blockbuster ﾔMemoir of a Geishaﾕ to be released in December, 2005.

For her film performances in Japan, Momoi has won countless awards. She has won the Japan Academy Award for Best Actress twice and Best Supporting Actress once and was selected Best Actress at the 1983 New York International Film Festival for her role in ﾔGiwakuﾕ (Suspicion).

Momoiﾕs history gives us a glimpse of her talent, but it cannot begin to explain the dynamo within. Vivacious, spontaneous, witty, mischievous, Momoiﾕs love of life is contagious and the passion she has for her art unique. Popular among Japanese of all ages and a recognized ﾔtrend setterﾕ, Momoi is never idle, pursuing various projects in producing, directing, screenwriting, and design in addition to her acting. She has also released some 15 record albums as a singer and is a much sought after essayist. She is an inspiration to young Japanese who admire her drive and her creativity, and her Hollywood debut will undoubtedly cause a sensation.

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