Was Monkey really magic? From bankruptcy to a tragic death at a young age... where the cast of the cult series are now as Netflix plans reboot
It's the cult 1980s Japanese TV series getting the remake treatment from Netflix.
But the original cast of Monkey (known to many as Monkey Magic) will be difficult to replace for many fans, with its actors going on to become some of Asia's best loved performers.
As the series prepares for a return, Daily Mail Australia looks at where Monkey's stars are now, with one battling bankruptcy and another dying tragically young.
Was Monkey really magic? From bankruptcy to a tragic death at a young age... where the cast of the cult series are now as Netflix plans reboot
Masaaki Sakai: Monkey
Masaaki, 70, was a well-known TV actor to Japanese audiences when he landed the title role in Monkey in 1978.
After the show, he sidestepped more acting and went on to to become a popular media personality, hosting lifestyle shows and becoming involved in car racing.
He is also a rock star and former member of popular 1960s Japanese band The Spiders. He enjoyed solo success after his role on Monkey.
A father of two daughters, in 2011 Japan Today reported Massaki married his third wife, a woman 22 years his junior.
Popular: Masaaki, 70, was a well-known TV actor to Japanese audiences when he landed the title role in Monkey in 1978
Diverse: After the show, he sidestepped more acting and went onto to become a popular media personality, hosting lifestyle shows and becoming involved in car racing
Toshiyuki Nishida: Pigsy (season one)
Probably the most successful of his Monkey co-stars, Toshiyuki, 69, only played the role of Pigsy for one season before accepting another TV role.
His career in acting hasn't faltered, receiving a slew of Japanese Academy Award nods as he consistently performed in both television and film.
The actor is also known to English-speaking audiences for his role in the 2008 Brittany Murphy film Ramen Girl.
Famous: Probably the most successful of his Monkey co-stars, Toshiyuki, 69, only played the role of Pigsy for one season before accepting another TV role
Recognisable: The actor is also known to English-speaking audiences for his role in the 2008 Brittany Murphy film Ramen Girl
Tonpei Hidari: Pigsy (season two)
Tonpei, 79, took over the role of Pigsy in season two, and has continued acting in Japan since.
His entertainment career began in 1963 and he has had more than 72 roles in television and film.
2.0 version: Tonpei, 79, took over the role of Pigsy in season two, and has continued acting in Japan since
Long spanning: His entertainment career began in 1963 and he has had more than 72 roles in television and film
Masako Natsume: Tripitaka
Actress Masako played the role of male monk Tripitaka on Monkey, with her casting intended to be provocative, according to an interview Massaki did withRolling Stone.
Masako snagged the role aged just 21, and continued to work throughout her early twenties in Japanese film and television.
According to fan site Monkey Heaven, Masako was married for just six months to a TV producer before she died of acute leukemia aged 27.
Her legacy today is the Masako Natsume Sunflower Foundation, a charity which provides wigs to cancer sufferers.
Stunt casting: Actress Masako played the role of male monk Tripitaka on Monkey, with her casting intended to be provocative
Young death: Her legacy today is the Masako Natsume Sunflower Foundation, a charity which provides wigs to cancer sufferers
Shunji Fujimura: Horse
Shunji also had a steady Japanese acting career after Monkey and died of heart failure in January aged 82.
He is well known for his roles in Japanese horror flicks Death Note and Death Note 2.
For the English version, Shunji's role was dubbed over by Fawlty Towers actor Andrew Sachs.
RIP: Shunji also had a steady Japanese acting career after Monkey and died of heart failure in January aged 82
Diverse actor: He is well known for his roles in Japanese horror flicks Death Note and Death Note 2
Familiar voice: For the English version, Shunji's role was dubbed over by Fawlty Towers actor Andrew Sachs
Shiro Kishibe: Sandy
Like Masaaki, Shiro, 67, was also a well-known musician and a member of popular rock band The Tigers.
After his time on the show playing Monkey's side kick, the performer allegedly went bankrupt after investing too much money in antiques, Masaaki told The Age in 2000.
During the 1990s and early 2000s, Shiro hosted a series of lifestyle talk shows on Japanese television.
Financial trouble? After his time on the show playing Monkey's side kick, the performer allegedly went bankrupt after investing too much money in antiques
TV host: During the 1990s and early 2000s, Shiro hosted a series of lifestyle talk shows on Japanese television
Most watched News videos
- Russia: Nuclear weapons in Poland would become targets in wider war
- ANOTHER King's Guard horse attempts to escape after throwing trooper
- Wills' rockstar reception! Prince of Wales greeted with huge cheers
- 'Dine-and-dashers' confronted by staff after 'trying to do a runner'
- BREAKING: King Charles to return to public duties Palace announces
- Shocking moment pandas attack zookeeper in front of onlookers
- Moment escaped Household Cavalry horses rampage through London
- Shocking moment British woman is punched by Thai security guard
- Don't mess with Grandad! Pensioner fights back against pickpockets
- Ashley Judd shames decision to overturn Weinstein rape conviction
- Prince Harry presents a Soldier of the Year award to US combat medic
- Prison Break fail! Moment prisoners escape prison and are arrested
