Miiko Taka
In 2025, Miiko Taka, at the age of 95, is an American actress of Japanese heritage who has left a notable mark on the film industry. She gained fame for her performances in films such as Walk Don’t Run, Operation Bottleneck, and the iconic Sayonara. Born in Seattle, her parents had migrated from Japan. Taka’s entry into acting was quite serendipitous. When Audrey Hepburn declined the role of Hana-ogi in Sayonara, director Joshua Logan embarked on a search for the right actress to fill the part.
At that time, Taka was working at a travel agency with no prior acting experience. Against the odds, she landed the role and not only impressed the critics but also caught the attention of Warner Bros., which led to her signing a contract. She went on to star in 15 more films before retiring in 1982 after appearing in The Challenge. Currently residing in Las Vegas, Nevada with her second husband, Lennie Blondheim, Miiko Taka’s unique journey in Hollywood remains a remarkable story of an unexpected rise to stardom.
