- Rodney Kageyama
Rodney Kageyama is an American stage, film and TV actor. He is a Nisei Japanese American (second-generation).
In 2007, Kageyama was diagnosed with
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma . He underwentchemotherapy and as of spring 2008 was declared cancer-free.Career
Theatre
Kageyama began his career in San Francisco as one of the original members of the
Asian American Theatre Company . While in San Francisco he attended theAmerican Conservatory Theatre . In 1979 Kageyama moved to Los Angeles where he joined theAsian American theatre group,East West Players (EWP), working not only as an actor, but also as a director and designer. [http://www.pawnsoftheking.com/cast/rodneykageyama.html Kageyama bio on "Pawns of the King" website] ] In 1985 he received aDrama-Logue Award for Costume Design for EWP's "Rashomon". [ [http://www.eastwestplayers.org/awards.htm EWP awards history] on EWP website] In 1993, Kageyama directed "The Grapevine", written byGrateful Crane Ensemble founderSoji Kashiwagi , produced at theLos Angeles Theatre Center . In spring 2001 Kageyama played Erronius in an allAsian American production of the musical, "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum " at EWP in Los Angeles. [ [http://imdb.com/name/nm0434632/otherworks otherworks] onIMDb ]Film & TV
He has acted on many films, notably "
The Karate Kid, Part II ", "The Next Karate Kid " and "Gung Ho". He was also featured in the "Golden Dreams " film exhibit which opened theDisney's California Adventure theme park. He has appeared in many TV shows including "Quantum Leap" and "Home Improvement ".Community work
Kageyama is heavily involved in community activity, often volunteering for various organizations. He has served as an
emcee and directed shows for many charitible events. [http://www.cherryblossomfestivalsocal.org/photogallery.htm History on Cherry Blossom Festival website] ] He is adocent at theJapanese American National Museum , where he does story telling for visiting children. He is also an animal advocate and helps place dogs in homes. [ [http://www.janmstore.com/daikonashi.html Brief bio following "Daikon Ashi" by Kageyama] at JANM online]Honors and awards
* 2006 "Community Treasures" Award, Cherry Blossom Festival of Southern California
* 2005 "Rae Creevey" Award (for volunteer service),East West Players 39th Anniversary Awards [ [http://www.aatrevue.com/Old/EWP0405d.html EWP 39th Awards] on AA Theatre Revue]References
External links
*
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