Ryoko Yonekura

Ryoko Yonekura (米倉 涼子), born on August 1, 1975, in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, is a distinguished actress and former fashion model, celebrated primarily for her portrayal of the determined surgeon in the hit medical drama "Doctor-X."

Yonekura's artistic journey began at the tender age of five when she immersed herself in classical ballet for 15 years. Her striking presence earned her recognition early on; she was crowned a national young beauty in 1992 while represented by Oscar Promotion. Transitioning into modeling in 1993, she graced the pages of popular fashion magazines, including CanCam, establishing herself in the fashion industry.

In June 1999, Yonekura made a pivotal decision to pursue acting, marking her television debut in the TBS drama "Koi no Kamisama" (God of Love). Her career flourished as she took on diverse roles across numerous television dramas, showcasing her versatility as an actress.

In addition to her television successes, Yonekura dazzled audiences on stage, taking on the role of Roxie Hart in the Japanese production of "Chicago" in both 2008 and 2010. Her ambition led her to Broadway, where she made her English-language debut in 2012, later reprising her role in July 2017. Yonekura's accomplishments have solidified her status as a prominent figure in Japanese entertainment.