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Professor Toru Tanaka

Acting
Freshness: Jan 21, 2026
29Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Jan 6, 1930
Birth Place: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

About Professor Toru Tanaka

Was an American professional wrestler, professional boxer, college football player, soldier, actor, and martial artist who, in fighting rings, was also known as Professor Toru Tanaka, or simply Professor Tanaka. He also taught martial arts in Dallas,Texas. His skills were taught to young men with potential for football greatness. He was located directly across from Southern Methodist University. His students included many All American football players including David Randle. Randle’s training began on his 5th birthday. Randle went on to become one of the most awarded high school football players in Texas history. After high school he played at SMU for one season in 1981. He then transferred to UCLA, where he was part of 2 Rose Bowl victories in 1983 and 1984. Randle always honored Professor Tanaka with the most important influence in the football techniques he used his entire life. (Wikipedia)

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Professor Toru Tanaka reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 29 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Action

The majority of Professor Toru Tanaka's filmography leans towards the Action genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 21% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Professor Toru Tanaka remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Life And Times of Paul Boesch, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Professor Toru Tanaka Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Professor Toru Tanaka's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Professor Toru Tanaka.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
1995 Hard Justice Cookie (uncredited) Average Similar →
1994 The Life And Times of Paul Boesch Himself (archive footage) Super Hit Similar →
1993 Last Action Hero Tough Asian Man Hit Similar →
1992 3 Ninjas Rushmore Average Similar →
1991 Deadly Game Ikiru-Sun Average Similar →
1991 Alligator 2: The Mutation Wrestler Flop Similar →
1991 The Perfect Weapon Tanaka Average Similar →
1990 Martial Law Jimmy Kong Average Similar →
1990 Darkman Chinese Warrior #2 Average Similar →
1990 Secret Agent 00 Soul (uncredited) Flop Similar →
1989 Black Rain Sugai's Man Hit Similar →
1989 Hyper Space Android Flop Similar →
1988 Dead Heat Butcher Average Similar →
1987 The Running Man Subzero Hit Similar →
1987 Catch the Heat Dozu Flop Similar →
1986 Shanghai Surprise Yamagani San Flop Similar →
1986 The Best of the WWF: volume 7 Prof. Toru Tanaka Flop Similar →
1986 Bad Guys Lord Percy's Bodyguard Hit Similar →
1986 Tag Team Champions Professor Toru Tanaka Flop Similar →
1985 Volunteers Sumo Guard Average Similar →
1985 Pee-wee's Big Adventure Butler Hit Similar →
1985 Missing in Action 2: The Beginning Lao Average Similar →
1985 Best of the WWF Volume 2 Prof. Toru Tanaka Flop Similar →
1984 Chattanooga Choo Choo Hashimoto Flop Similar →
1983 Revenge of the Ninja Sumo Servant Average Similar →
1983 Off the Wall Banzai Wrestler #1 Flop Similar →
1982 Modesty Blaise Akira Flop Similar →
1981 An Eye for an Eye The Professor Flop Similar →
1973 WWE at Madison Square Garden: June 30, 1973 Prof. Toru Tanaka Flop Similar →

Professor Toru Tanaka - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Professor Toru Tanaka?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Professor Toru Tanaka is "The Life And Times of Paul Boesch" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Professor Toru Tanaka acted in?

Professor Toru Tanaka has been featured in at least 29 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Professor Toru Tanaka?

Other notable films include "Bad Guys", "Black Rain", and "The Running Man".