Remembering Harold Sakata on the Anniversary of his birth

By: Steven Jay Rubin

Published:
2021-07-01

The James Bond Movie Encyclopedia presents This Day in James Bond Movie History - remembering the late Harold Sakata (Oddjob in 1964's Goldfinger) on the anniversary of his birth in 1920, and wishing a happy birthday to Lea Seydoux (2015's SPECTRE and 2021's No Time To Die) who was born in 1985.

Harold Sakata, whose real name was Toshiyuki Sakata, and wrestled under the name of Tosh Togo, was a powerfully built Hawaiian who portrayed the title character’s Korean manservant/chauffeur/caddy Oddjob in Goldfinger. Sakata set the bar very high for enemy henchmen with his almost silent performance. His smiling disposition, particularly when Bond (Sean Connery) is trying to deliver a punch to his face, is quite memorable, and his fight with 007 in Fort Knox is one of the most memorable set pieces in the series, aided immeasurably by Ken Adam’s amazing set, John Barry’s fabulous music and Guy Hamilton’s perfect direction.

The very sultry, sensual and charismatic Lea Seydoux portrayed Dr. Madeleine Swann, daughter of mysterious Spectre agent Mr. White (Jesper Christensen) who desperately seeks James Bond’s (Daniel Craig) help in rescuing her from Spectre assassins, led by Hinx (Dave Bautista). Since Bond goes off with Madeleine at the conclusion of Spectre, we naturally assume that No Time to Die begins with them co-habiting. However, EON Productions has kept the plot so close to their vest that nothing is for certain other than the fact that she’s in the movie.

So let’s raise a glass of Mint Julep to Harold, and some French champagne to Lea, two quite memorable threads in the quilt we call the James Bond universe.

All text. Copyright © 2021 Steven Jay Rubin. All rights reserved.

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Remembering Harold Sakata on the Anniversary of his birth

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