Mackenyu Maeda played the role of Roronoa Zoro in Netflix’s One Piece Live Action. His character portrayal was much loved, and critics also appraised the casting. His handling of swords, charismatic character, and serious aura were all important for his character. Many people thought it to be his breakout show.
But little do people know that Mackenyu Maeda started acting in his teenage days. He is a man of many talents. Like every other celebrity, people also want to know more about him. So here are 10 things that people might not know about Roronoa Zoro actor Mackenyu Maeda.
10. Mackenyu Maeda Was Born in the USA
Even though Mackenyu Maeda comes from a Japanese family and carries a Japanese heritage, he was born in the United States of America. The Zoro actor was born in Los Angeles and attended Beverly Hills High School during his childhood stay in the USA.
9. Mackenyu Is A Hardcore Otaku
Mackenyu Maeda is a huge anime lover. He has acted in several anime live adaptations before ‘One Piece’. He worked in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Rurouni Kenshin: The Final, Chihayafuru, and Fullmetal Alchemist. Due to his love for anime, he puts extra effort into knowing every anime character he plays on the big screen.
8. He Was Inspired By Harumi Miura
Harumi Miura was a well-known Japanese actor. When Mackenyu was 15 years old, he saw a movie starring Harumi Miura. Since then, he aspired to pursue a career in acting and be in a movie with Harumi Miura. His wish was fulfilled in Brave: Gunjo Senki, but Harumi Miura unfortunately passed away before the movie was released.
7. A Recipient Of Many Accolades
Mackenyu Maeda has won several accolades in his acting career. His sophomore features won him many awards. Chihayafuru‘s Arata Wataya played a huge role in his career. Chihayafuru, being a trilogy, got Mackenyu every bit of fame he deserved. It got him the Newcomer of the Year award at the Japan Academy Film Prize. The award is equivalent to the Oscars in Japan. He was also nominated for several other awards, including the Hochi and Mainichi Film Awards.
6. A Man Of Many Talents
One Piece Live Action showed Zoro’s amazing skills with the sword. In real life, the Zoro Actor is a man of many talents. He is a trained martial artist in Kyokushin Karate who can do horseback riding and mounted archery. He can play water polo, wrestle, and do gymnastics. Mackenyu’s skills do not end there. He can also sing and play piano, flute, and saxophone.
5. He Is The Brand Ambassador For Several Big Brands
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Mackenyu, a handsome guy, has been approached by several big brands to be their ambassador. Due to his unhinged style and fashion sense, he promotes Fendi, Louis Vuitton, and Burberry. His latest collaboration came with Tiffany & Co. in 2021, which he announced through an Instagram post.
4. The Zoro Actor Had An Established Career Before One Piece
One Piece Live Action is not Mackenyu Maeda’s first major gig. He started out as a supporting actor and slowly climbed the stairs to stardom. Buzz (So-On: The Five Oyaji) and Yo nimo Kimyo na Montagari were movies where he was a supporting actor. His supporting TV roles include The Kindergarten Detective, The Hatsumori Bemars and Yume o Ateru. He was also seen in Kamen Rider and Pacific Rim: Uprising.
3. He Is Happily Married
Mackenyu has a lot of female fan following. But all of them will be upset to hear that he is already married. In January 2023, he announced that he was married. He married a mystery woman from a non-celebrity background. He was in a relationship with this woman for a long time before tying the knot. Mackenyu,” We will continue to support each other while spending precious time together. It would make me happy if you would watch over us warmly.”
2. Mackenyu Is A Heavyweight Actor
It is no new news that Mackenyu has been acting since his teenage days. He showcased his acting skills early on in his career. Take a Chance was his first feature film. That same year, he won the Best Narrative Short at the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival for Taidaima. Asians of Films Festival saw him bag the Best Supporting Actor award.
1. He Is The Son Of Late Sadaho Maeda
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Sadaho Maeda, popularly known as Sonny Chiba, is a late actor and martial artist. His skills took him to the USA. Sonny Chiba has acted in several movies, including Kill Bill Volume 1 and The Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift. He had also worked with Aaron Kwok in The Storm Riders.
