Tetsu Komai - Actor Profile

Tetsu Komai

Acting
Freshness: Jan 25, 2026
47Total Films
7.3 Highest Rated
Born: Apr 23, 1894
Birth Place: Kumamoto, Japan

About Tetsu Komai

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.  Tetsu Komai (駒井哲 Komai Tetsu) (April 23, 1894 – August 10, 1970), also known as Tetsuo Komai, was a Japanese-American actor, known for his minor roles in Hollywood films. Born in Kumamoto, Kyushu, Komai had small parts in over 50 films from the 1920s until the mid-1960s. In his early films, Tetsu, who was usually called on to play Chinese characters, was often described with derogatory terms such as "Chinaman,". He played the villain in many of his films. He immigrated to the United States in December 1907, arriving at the Port of Seattle; he lived in Seattle for several years after this initial immigration. During the Second World War, the actor, his wife, and their children were interned with groups of other Japanese-Americans and Japanese resident aliens at the Gila River War Relocation Center in Arizona from August 27, 1942 to November 3, 1945. He died in Gardena, California of congestive heart failure, aged 76. Description above from the Wikipedia article Bette Davis, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Tetsu Komai reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 47 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Tetsu Komai's filmography leans towards the Drama 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 15% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Tetsu Komai remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Letter, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Tetsu Komai Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Tetsu Komai's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Tetsu Komai.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
1964 The Night Walker Gardener Hit Similar →
1952 Japanese War Bride Japanese servant Average Similar →
1949 Tokyo Joe Lt. Gen. 'The Butcher' Takenobu (uncredited) Average Similar →
1941 Sundown Kuypens' Shenzi Aide (uncredited) Flop Similar →
1941 Adventures of Captain Marvel Chan Lai Average Similar →
1940 The Letter Head Boy Hit Similar →
1939 The Real Glory Alipang Average Similar →
1939 Torchy Blane in Chinatown Lem Kee (uncredited) Average Similar →
1937 West of Shanghai General Mah Flop Similar →
1937 The Singing Marine Chang Flop Similar →
1937 That Man's Here Again Wong Flop Similar →
1937 China Passage Wong (uncredited) Average Similar →
1937 History Is Made at Night - Hit Similar →
1936 Isle of Fury Kim Lee Flop Similar →
1936 The Princess Comes Across Kawati Average Similar →
1936 Roaming Lady General Fang Flop Similar →
1936 Klondike Annie - Average Similar →
1935 Hong Kong Nights Wong Flop Similar →
1935 China Seas Malay Pirate (uncredited) Average Similar →
1935 Oil for the Lamps of China Ho Hit Similar →
1934 Now and Forever Hotel Manager Mr. Ling Hit Similar →
1934 Four Frightened People Native Chief Average Similar →
1933 White Woman - Average Similar →
1932 Island of Lost Souls M`ling Hit Similar →
1932 The Secrets of Wu Sin Wu Sin Average Similar →
1932 War Correspondent Fang Flop Similar →
1932 Roar of the Dragon Messenger on Horseback Average Similar →
1932 Radio Patrol Valet (uncredited) Flop Similar →
1932 Border Devils The General Flop Similar →
1932 Prestige Sergeant Average Similar →
1931 Daughter of the Dragon Lao (uncredited) Flop Similar →
1931 East of Borneo Hrang the Raftsman Flop Similar →
1931 The Criminal Code Convict Average Similar →
1930 East is West Hop Toy Flop Similar →
1930 East Is West Hop Toy Flop Similar →
1930 The Sea Wolf Igo - Waiter in Honky Tonk (uncredited) Flop Similar →
1930 The Return of Dr. Fu Manchu - Flop Similar →
1929 Welcome Danger Florist Henchman (uncredited) Flop Similar →
1929 Bulldog Drummond Chong Hit Similar →
1929 Chinatown Nights Woo Chung, Riley's principal henchman Flop Similar →
1928 The Woman from Moscow Groom Flop Similar →
1928 Moran of the Marines Sun Yat Flop Similar →
1927 Streets of Shanghai Chang Ho Flop Similar →
1927 Shanghai Bound Scarface Flop Similar →
1927 Mr. Wu Executioner (uncredited) Average Similar →
1926 Tell It to the Marines Hangchow Leader Average Similar →
1926 Old Ironsides Pirate (uncredited) Average Similar →

Tetsu Komai - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Tetsu Komai?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Tetsu Komai is "The Letter" with a rating of 7.3/10.

How many movies has Tetsu Komai acted in?

Tetsu Komai has been featured in at least 47 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Tetsu Komai?

Other notable films include "Oil for the Lamps of China", "Island of Lost Souls", and "Now and Forever".