Burt Kwouk, a renowned British actor, is most famously associated with his captivating performances as Cato in the iconic Pink Panther film series and as Mr. Ling in the third installment of the James Bond franchise, Goldfinger.
Born in Warrington, Kwouk's early life took an unconventional turn when he was brought up in Shanghai. He made his film debut in the 1957 cinematic production Windom's Way. In the esteemed James Bond film Goldfinger (1964),Kwouk portrayed the enigmatic Mr. Ling, a Chinese expert in nuclear fission. He further showcased his versatility by appearing in the non-Eon spoof Casino Royale (1967),where he played a general, and in You Only Live Twice (1967),in which he brought to life the character of a Japanese operative of Blofeld.
In addition to his impressive filmography, Kwouk made significant appearances in various television programs, including a memorable portrayal of Imperial Japanese Army Major Yamauchi in the British drama series Tenko and as Entwistle in the long-running comedy series Last of the Summer Wine.
Tragically, Kwouk passed away on May 24th, 2016, at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy of captivating performances that continue to entertain and inspire audiences to this day.
