Akie Kotabe

Akihiro Lawrence Kotabe, known professionally as Akie Kotabe, is an American actor whose career spans television, film, voice work, and emerging formats such as podcasts. Born on July 18, 1980, in Lansing, Michigan, he pursued a degree at the University of California, Santa Barbara before breaking into the entertainment industry in 2005. Over the past two decades Kotabe has become a recognizable face in both mainstream and niche productions, often praised for his versatility and the depth he brings to diverse characters. He first attracted attention with a recurring role as Akira Takahashi on the critically acclaimed series Mad Men, where his performance blended subtle comedy with dramatic tension. This exposure led to further television work, most notably his portrayal of Ben Nakamura in the dystopian series The Man in the High Castle, where he navigated a complex narrative set in an alternate history. In addition to live‑action roles, Kotabe has built a substantial voice‑over portfolio, lending his vocal talent to animated series such as the title character Boyster on Disney XD and Kyan on the CBeebies show Go Jetters. His voice work extends to the audio drama realm, where he embodies Conor in the immersive podcast Passenger List. Kotabe’s film credits include playing the enigmatic Dead Man in Everly, the determined Meyers in The November Man, and a pivotal role as Diego in the sci‑fi thriller Silo. In 2020 he earned a Best Actor nomination at the Madrid International Film Festival for the neo‑noir film Clay’s Redemption, underscoring his growing reputation as a leading talent. Beyond his on‑screen achievements, Kotabe remains active in advocacy for Asian‑American representation in media, frequently speaking at industry panels and supporting emerging creators. His continued presence across multiple platforms highlights a dynamic career built on adaptability, skill, and a steadfast commitment to storytelling.