Mako, a pioneer in the acceptance of Asian Americans into Hollywood, has died in California at the age of 72 from esophageal cancer. The Los Angeles Times said Mako, who was born Makoto Iwamatsu and revolutionized Hollywood's stereotyped view of Asian-American actors, died Friday at his home in the Ventura County town of Somis. Mako first drew the attention of U.S. moviegoers in 1966 when he was nominated for an Academy Award for his compelling turn as the Chinese character Po-han in the film, "The Sand Pebbles." Later he formed the first Asian-American theater company, East West Players, where he trained scores of aspiring playwrights and actors over the years...more...