Tohoru Masamune is a versatile actor, director, and martial artist. He has appeared in various film and television projects, showcasing his range and versatility.
On the big screen, Masamune played the iconic role of "Shredder" in Michael Bay's 2014 film "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles". He also starred as Dr. Matt Lin in the 2019 Emmy Award and Peabody Award-winning series "Artificial".
Masamune has had the privilege of working with renowned directors and playwrights. He has performed in stage productions directed by Tony Award winners Mary Zimmerman and Dan Sullivan, and has worked with playwrights A.R. Gurney and Tony Award nominee Irene Mecchi.
In addition to his film and television work, Masamune is an accomplished stage actor. He has performed classical Japanese theatre (Noh/Kyogen) with the nationally recognized troupe, Theatre of Yugen.
Masamune is also a skilled martial artist, having trained and performed samurai sword fighting for 20 years. He has been involved in various commercial campaigns, including national commercials for Mercedes Benz, Coor's Light, Volvo, and more.
Born in Madison, Wisconsin, and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Masamune's family eventually settled in Newton, Massachusetts. He is an MIT graduate and has been involved in the contemporary art world, working on technical crews for internationally renowned installations artists.
Masamune's ancestry is steeped in Japanese history and culture. His father was a top research professor at MIT, and his grandfather was a world-renowned scientist in Japan. He is descended from an old Japanese samurai-class family, with notable ancestors including Hakucho Masamune, Isao Masamune, Juichi Nozoe, Kinoshita Sukenai, Atsuo Masamune, and Tokusaburo Masamune.
In his free time, Masamune enjoys playing ice hockey and jamming on his Alesis keyboard.
Masamune's extensive credits include:
* "Inception" (2010) - played the first line of the movie opposite Leonardo DiCaprio and Ken Watanabe
* "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." (TV series) - played the role of Haruto Yakimura
* "Chatter" (upcoming paranormal thriller feature) - played the role of Martin Takagi
* "American Dad!" (TV series) - provided the voice of Chef Haruki
* "Kung Fu Panda - Legends of Awesomeness" (TV series) - played the role of Kira
* "Disney's Club Penguin online shorts" - played the role of Sensei
* "Warbirds" (SyFy channel original movie) - played the lead role of Ozu
* "The Cape" (TV series) - guest appearance
* "Pacific Heights" (film) - first film role, directed by John Schlesinger
Masamune's impressive career is a testament to his dedication, passion, and versatility as an actor, director, and martial artist.
