Akira Kurosawa

Profession: Film Director and Screenwriter

Nationality:

Why Famous: Widely regarded as one of the most important and influential filmmakers in the history of cinema.

Kurosawa's films - which include Rashomon, Drunken Angel, Seven Samurai and Yojimbo - have influenced many Hollywood filmmakers including Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese.

Born: March 23, 1910
Birthplace: Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan
Star Sign: Aries

Died: September 6, 1998 (aged 88)
Cause of Death: Stroke