Oddjob, a South Korean, was a fictional character in the James Bond movie "Goldfinger". He was portrayed as a henchman to the main villain. The character was played by actor Harold Sakata, who was born in Hawaii and was of Japanese descent.
The character Oddjob, featured in the James Bond film "Goldfinger," is not only iconic for his role as the main villain's henchman but has also become a symbol of classic Bond adversaries. Let's delve deeper into Oddjob's significance, the portrayal by actor Harold Sakata, and the lasting impact of this memorable character:
1. **Oddjob's Role in "Goldfinger":**
  - **Henchman to Auric Goldfinger:** Oddjob served as the personal bodyguard and henchman to the main antagonist, Auric Goldfinger, in the 1964 film "Goldfinger." His loyalty and physical prowess made him a formidable adversary for James Bond.
  - **Physical Strength and Skills:** Oddjob's character was known for his immense physical strength, combat skills, and a unique lethal weapon—a razor-edged bowler hat that he could throw with deadly precision. This signature hat added a distinctive and memorable element to the character.
2. **Portrayal by Harold Sakata:**
  - **Harold Sakata's Background:** Harold Sakata, the actor behind Oddjob, was born on July 1, 1920, in Holualoa, Hawaii. He was of Japanese descent and had a diverse background, having been a professional wrestler and weightlifter before transitioning to acting.
  - **Wrestling Career:** Prior to his acting career, Sakata achieved success as a professional wrestler. He competed in various wrestling promotions, and his strong, imposing presence in the ring caught the attention of filmmakers.
  - **Film Debut as Oddjob:** "Goldfinger" marked Sakata's notable entry into the world of cinema, and his portrayal of Oddjob earned him widespread recognition. His ability to bring a sense of menace and physicality to the character contributed significantly to the film's success.
3. **Cultural Impact and Legacy:**
  - **Iconic Villain Henchman:** Oddjob has endured as one of the most iconic henchmen in the James Bond franchise. His silent demeanor, imposing stature, and deadly hat-throwing skills left a lasting impression on audiences.
  - **Parodies and Homages:** The character of Oddjob has been parodied and referenced in various films, television shows, and other media. His unique weapon, the bowler hat, has become synonymous with classic Bond villainy.
  - **Influence on Pop Culture:** Oddjob's impact on popular culture extends beyond the realm of Bond films. His memorable presence has been celebrated in various forms, from merchandise to video games, solidifying his place in cinematic history.
4. **Representation and Diversity:**
  - **Diverse Casting:** Harold Sakata's casting as Oddjob was notable for its diversity, breaking away from stereotypical portrayals of Asian characters in cinema during that era. Sakata's physicality and charisma transcended cultural expectations and contributed to the character's success.
  - **Asian Characters in Film:** Oddjob's character and Sakata's portrayal played a role in challenging and reshaping perceptions of Asian characters in mainstream Hollywood films. The success of "Goldfinger" contributed to a growing awareness of the importance of diverse representation in cinema.
In conclusion, Oddjob stands as a cinematic legend, and Harold Sakata's portrayal brought a unique energy to the character. The combination of an imposing physical presence, a lethal weapon, and Sakata's charismatic performance ensured that Oddjob would be remembered as one of the most iconic henchmen in the James Bond franchise and in the broader landscape of film history.