If you've watched "Kill Bill: Vol. 1," you'll undoubtedly recall the iconic scene where Gogo Yubari, played by Japanese actor Chiaki Kuriyama, used a Chinese weapon known as a meteor hammer to do battle against Uma Thurman's character, the Bride (later revealed to be named Beatrix). Gogo dominated the fight until Beatrix grabbed a broken chair leg with nails protruding, which she eventually rammed into Gogo's head, causing her to cry blood and die.
The character, who donned a schoolgirl uniform to project an aura of innocence (despite being anything but), has become a beloved cosplay choice for fans since the film's release in 2003. A Gogo costume is even considered one of Megan Fox's most inappropriate outfits. With Gogo's blunt fringe (a great style for thick hair), a schoolgirl outfit with a red tie, and a meteor hammer on a chain, it's an easily recognizable look for those in the know. However, what may be unrecognizable today from the world of "Kill Bill" is the actor who played her, 41-year-old Chiaki Kuriyama.
Director Quentin Tarantino has previously stated that one of his favorite movies is the 2000 Japanese film "Battle Royale," which Chiaki Kuriyama starred in, which is why he cast her in his "Kill Bill" series. Prior to that, she had built a reputation in Japan through modeling in the '90s. After portraying Gogo Yubari, she continued acting in films and many Japanese TV series, including a leading role in a Japanese version of "CSI" called "CSI: Crime Scene Talks."
Is she still rocking her iconic Gogo fringe? Not as of March 2024 at age 39, when she hit the red carpet at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards in Tokyo, Japan. In fact, she hadn't been seen on any major red carpets with the schoolgirl hairstyle for a decade. She also chopped off her long locks in favor of a layered, chin-length bob cut, which is a flattering style for women in their 40s. At the awards ceremony, she looked elegant in a floor-length, body-skimming gown, but added some edge to the look with vampy lipstick, slicked-back hair, multiple ear piercings, and symmetrical wrist cuffs. We think Gogo would approve.
