GMG Appreciation Corner: Harold Sakata
Added 2021-01-01 22:23:37 +0000 UTCThere are many wonderful characters in the movie "Goldfinger" to appreciate. The villain himself, Auric Goldfinger, James Bond of course, and Pussy Galore.
But the first time I saw the movie, all I wanted to know more about was the actor who played the deadly bodyguard, Oddjob.
It turns out he was played by Toshiyuki 'Harold' Sakata, a former wrestler and weightlifter from Hawaii who won a silver medal for the US in the 1948 Summer Olympics. Harold also served in the army during World War II.
His stats were supposedly 5'10" and a very robust 284 pounds, and he had a smoldering gaze that mesmerized me. Strutting around in his suit and tossing that hat with such force only added to his appeal.
Harold was able to follow-up his big break with other opportunities in Hollywood, so every once and while you will see him pop up in an old TV show or movie.
Thankfully there are also quite a few photos of him online. I'm always amazed at the thickness of his neck and his impressive traps anytime he appeared shirtless - the guy did not skip any of his workouts!
So cheers to you, Harold, and thank you for your service!
