Asian-American actor James Shigeta has died, aged 81.

Shigeta made several television and movie appearances throughout his career, notably in the first Die Hard film.

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The actor played executive Joseph Takagi in the 1988 movie, who is shot by Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) after refusing to surrender the security code to the skyscraper's bank vault.

Prior to Die Hard, Shigeta also starred in the 1961 film adaptation of Broadway musical Flower Drum Song as Wang Ta.

The Honolulu-born actor also appeared in Paradise, Hawaiian Style, Midway and Lost Horizon.

His television credits include Hawaii 5-0, Perry Mason, Mission: Impossible, Ironside, and Beverly Hills 90210.