Has TK had plastic surgery?

[malena]

I know I'd be the odd-duck-out on this subject but I don't have a problem with plastic surgery.

I think the point of it is to enhance "your" looks. Alot of people go into surgery wanting to look like someone else and the final result is a weird plastic face.

but when , lets say your nose is tilted to the left and you have rhinoplasty to fix it, what's the problem with that?

[disraeli3]

I agree with you Malena. The problem is that a lot of celebrities, and laypeople who have the money to afford surgeries, don't know when to stop and end up going overboard.

[Swellboy]

I haven't scrutinized all the different pics of TK enough to ponder (which I haven't even bothered doing, frankly) whether or not he's had plastic surgery. I'm inclined to think that TK's different looks over time are due to aging (and he just seems to get more beautiful as he ages) and all the aforementioned technical things: lighting, makeup, camera angles, etc.

Yes, plastic surgery is a total craze here in the States. When I bother to think about it, it irks me that stars and others who can afford it, have plastic surgery when this is almost always unnecessary. It's one think to have p. surgery when one's nose is totally crooked, while it's another to, say, get a boob job or give one's eyes a different look. Such superficiality to that extreme is tiresome and irritating to me.

[SamIAm]

Interesting article by Maureen Dowd, NYT columnist & Vanity Fair contributor on homogenizing of looks due to plastic surgery:

Frozen Mermaids, Scary Sirens,
March 3, 2005
www.nytimes.com/2005/03/03/opinion/03dowd.html

[Swellboy]

That's an excellent article by Maureen Dowd, SamIAm, whose column I often enjoy reading. Thanks for posting the link to it here! Unfortunately, I think she's all-to-correct in the whole plastic surgery craze for women in Hollywood-- and elsewhere. Now men are getting more into it too, but that would have probably been a whole other column...

[deedee]

i subscribe to the no-surgery-just-lost-his-baby-fat theory. i don't know many people (at least folks who stayed about the same size) whose faces didn't change markedly between the ages of 19 and 32. i, for one, have always been on the scrawny side, but i didn't have a cheekbone to my name until my mid 20's.

and losing even a little weight can remodel a face significantly.

and sucking on cigarettes all day long will define one's cheekbones (but do it for too many years and one starts getting that leathery, caved in look...)

and many of the early pop idol pix have him making that cute little puppy face, which he's pretty much outgrown. plus he's swimming with the big fish now and everybody sends their a-list photographers to shoot him, so he looks more substantial and complicated and attractive in his photos now.

and he has a mobile and expressive face - he's not just blue steel, le tigre and magnum, y'know? he just looks different a lot.

and anyway, he doesn't look so much different in his earlier work, just younger.

i think it's all him.

[Veronica]

deedee said:

i think it's all him.

i agree, 100%. and oh what a great "all him" it is.

[popsicle]

i don't think he had gone surgery.as u can see his photos when he's still younger,he's not as thin as he is now.so i think the face will grow a bit longer than the usual.
i mean there's a lot of celebs who's becoming hotter in their mid 30's u know...
he's just one of the most gorgeous men ever....he's like the johnny depp of asia i suppose...

[deedee]

Veronica said:

i don't know why people call him the johnny depp of asia. he's nothing like johnny depp, thank god! whomever keeps saying that obviously knows very little about johnny depp or his acting. there is no one in american cinema who is like takeshi, i can tell you that.

i think the johnny depp comparisons come from tk's being a former teen idol who takes challenging roles that feature his estimable acting chops (and underlying goofiness) instead of coasting on his looks. i could see tk playing characters like edward scissorhands or gilbert grape or don juan demarco in a heartbeat, and for that matter, i can see johnny depp riding on a dead pig as well. both actors seem to have an affinity for off kilter characters, and they are both wonderful at playing them.

the similarity is mostly professional, however; i don't know the man, but i really don't see tk developing a heroin habit or dating a supermodel and shredding a hotel room anytime soon.

[OleWiseOne]

Johnny Depp is the Takeshi Kaneshiro of North America.

I'm a big fan of Johnny Depp, and agree with the similarities between him & TK, they're both explorers of human emotions who want to push their talents and limits beyond normal expectations, but TK is TK and Johnny is Johnny.

IMHO, Johnny's name shouldn't have to be a reference or calling card for TK to North American audiences. TK's talent (& beauty) speaks for itself and he should be known as just himself.

[Swellboy]

Deedee: I'm with you 100% too on your whole well-written post about TK very likely *not* having had plastic surgery.

I have my own comparison to TK and another male, Western movie star, but it isn't Johnny Depp-- although that certainly isn't an unflattering comparison to make in the least, IMHO. However, I feel no need to mention my own comparision here, because others would undoubtedly shoot it down, like some have done about JD and TK being incomparable. Truth is, I agree with whoever wrote that TK is TK, period. Sure, it's totally fun to compare stars to other stars, but, ultimately, if a star, such as TK, carries his own natural style, great looks, talents, and charisma, well, there really is no comparison that holds any water. TK stands on his own and I'm sure always will.

I don't think we've seen the most or best of TK yet. His career around the world seems to be gathering more momentum, undoubtedly helped along by HOFD being so successful in the States (probably one of the last countries that hasn't quite fully acknowledged him in a glowing, well-deserved way, but Hollywood can still be racist with its da*n typecasting tendencies). Truth is, I'm one of those Americans who hadn't heard of TK until I recently saw HOFD. Then, it was like, 'Who is this incredible guy?' I went out and rented what I could of his earlier movies, which weren't many, I humbly admit--but I trust that I'll get a hold of more of his work over time. While I didn't particularly care much for the films themselves, TK was always great. I mean, he really can act and with some wonderful range! Add in his great looks (that only seem to be getting better-- though it's hard to improve much upon such abundant, natural beauty), the sultry way about him, and, voila, he's a world-class star...*Sigh* Didn't think I'd type such a long post, but there you have it.

[deedee]

Swellboy said:

Deedee: I'm with you 100% too on your whole well-written post about TK very likely *not* having had plastic surgery.

aw shucks swellboy, you're gonna make me blush...

I have my own comparison to TK and another male, Western movie star, but it isn't Johnny Depp-- although that certainly isn't an unflattering comparison to make in the least, IMHO. However, I feel no need to mention my own comparision here

hints? inititals, maybe? pleeease ?? ??

about the tk/jd comparison: it works better if you compare tk now to jd 10 years ago, so you're comparing apples to apples of about the same age. neither actor has chosen to take crappy roles that exploit his absurdly handsome mug, and both have maintained professional integrity in a cutthroat and venal business. i do not think they are the same actor at all, but they seem to occupy similar positions in their respective countries' film industries.

I don't think we've seen the most or best of TK yet. His career around the world seems to be gathering more momentum, undoubtedly helped along by HOFD being so successful in the States (probably one of the last countries that hasn't quite fully acknowledged him in a glowing, well-deserved way, but Hollywood can still be racist with its da*n typecasting tendencies). Truth is, I'm one of those Americans who hadn't heard of TK until I recently saw HOFD. Then, it was like, 'Who is this incredible guy?' I went out and rented what I could of his earlier movies, which weren't many, I humbly admit--but I trust that I'll get a hold of more of his work over time. While I didn't particularly care much for the films themselves, TK was always great. I mean, he really can act and with some wonderful range! Add in his great looks (that only seem to be getting better-- though it's hard to improve much upon such abundant, natural beauty), the sultry way about him, and, voila, he's a world-class star...

yes, i think he's due for a big breakout outside of asia. everybody i know who saw hofd had pretty much the same reaction as you (and me - i almost fell out of my seat when i first saw him), and as i've been making my way through his filmography, i'm more and more impressed with his acting skills (btw, you do need to see lost and found, if you haven't yet. it is not a perfect movie, but it is a lovely one and tk gives a wonderful, low key and heart wrenching performance.) personally, i'd love to see him in a smaller, more prestigious american movie - something with a good director, a good script and good actors (it still does happen occasionally.) traditionally, the same stupid blockbuster mentality that rules hollywood in general dictates that successful asian actors have to star in tired, overblown period pieces or brainless action movies. maybe tk can break this mold, as well.

i am looking forward to seeing him try.

[Webmaster]

Honestly, I want Takeshi to blow up big in the States... or world wide well-known like Jacky Chan and Jet Li. He deserves it although that means we'll have to share him with all other people in the world... but hey, can't be selfish here. He is so gorgeous... I mean who wouldn't take notice of him when you first lay eyes on his face?! Plus he is a good actor... not just some hot-looking dope claiming to be a movie star. There're so many of them out there and we need a "real deal".

I really really want the American audience to get to know Takeshi better... something beyond HOFD. True the Hollywood isn't all that but when you're noticed in here, you'll be known everywhere else...

However, Takeshi doesn't strike me as the type of Asian actor who wants to make it big in Hollywood. He's almost a bit against such idea. He's already pretty damn famous and successful in Asia and it seems like he's happy with it. If Hollywood isn't treating him with what he deserves (a good script and all) he'll most likely choose to stay in Asia.

[OleWiseOne]

Webmaster said:

Honestly, I want Takeshi to blow up big in the States... or world wide well-known like Jacky Chan and Jet Li.

However, Takeshi doesn't strike me as the type of Asian actor who wants to make it big in Hollywood. He's almost a bit against such idea. He's already pretty d**n famous and successful in Asia and it seems like he's happy with it. If Hollywood isn't treating him with what he deserves (a good script and all) he'll most likely choose to stay in Asia.

It's already been printed many times that when TK is asked if he want to work in Hollywood after the success of HOFD & he replies that he would if the role was right, but that he doesn't think there are many roles for Asian actors in Hollywood. How sad but true.

If Hollywood had one ounce of brain power, it would understand that Asia makes up more than 1/2 of the world's population. And in TK, there's an amazingly handsome, versatile (he can play comedy, romance, drama & action) actor who appeals to women AND men, and who can already speak 5 languages and who is still under 35! What a combination!! Putting him a movie, partically guarrantees its success just based on the fan base that he has now. Plus, he really adds so much class to any film he appears in.

I remember in the mid-90's thinking how Jet Li could really be popular in America if only he received some exposure. It was a long wait for Jet Li fans (myself included), but it finally happened. And now Jet Li can open movies in America and he can help give lesser known, but equally talented people, also get noticed.

While it's not that important to me that TK succeed in America for the sake of Americans knowing about him, I want him to success in America because such success can give him the opportunity to work on really good projects. You can only work with really good people when they know about you, and if people don't know about TK, he won't get that great role that he will just amaze all of us with.

And I think he's yearning to stretch himself too. As much as he says that he's happy with his success in Asia, I'm sure there's a part of him that's eager to try Hollywood out for the challenge and the opportunities that it offers. What actor wouldn't want to succeed in the biggest movie industry in the world? But I really respect the fact that he's not going to compromise his principles just to be successful in Hollywood.

But I really have faith that he'll become successful in Hollywood. I'm thinking within the next 5 years or so, if not earlier.

[Swellboy]

Deedee: Well, the only clue I'm going to give you of another actor that I'm a big fan of who I compare TK to is that they are both within four years of each other in age. They're really very different actors and others would only all-too-readily jump all over me, so to speak, to point that out. Perhaps some would say, "Oh, how could you even *think* to compare them?!" Comparing actors gets pretty subjective anyway. However, you make a good point about comparing TK and JD to where the latter was at ten years ago, because of their ages being around the same with that time differential factored in. That's what I think of with this other young male star, who, like TK, is very pretty, lithe, and sexy, and has also done different genres of films. Oops, I guess I just gave another hint there. But, I'm *not* going to say anything further in reference to this other fellow, who also makes me melt inside, similarly to TK.

OleWiseOne: I'm glad you have faith that TK will make it big in Hollywood. I'm not so sure myself, unless he's typecasted (which I and many here seem to agree that TK has the integrity to resist having done to him). For example, I can see H.wood typecasting him in action films. I'm not a fan of action flicks, but I'd gladly go see TK in a few from out of H.wood. What I hope happens, and I think others have said this in so many words already, is that he gets into some good American indies, where I could see him thriving and really making film festivals, such as Sundance, shine with his screen presence, casting his power over awe-struck American audiences...*Sigh* I wish for TK to do whatever he wants with his career; the world seems to be his oyster right now. I just feel a bit of selfish longing, you could say, in seeing him on-screen here in the States more, albeit in quality movies, which TK seems to want to be in as he has so effectively matured in his craft.