丹波哲郎（1922年7月17日－2006年9月24日）是著名的日本演员，他在东京都新宿区出身。

丹波哲郎原名丹波正三郎，出身于东京的名门望族，是大久保家族的三男。祖先是中国人，本姓刘，最早可以追溯到后汉灵帝。丹波哲郎曾说他以身为中国人为荣，所以二战时坚拒当兵侵华。后汉灵帝12代刘芳为避战乱移居日本落地生根，以本名刘芳由“刘”姓改为入藉日侨姓氏“刘芳”。而从“刘芳”改为纯日本姓氏“丹波”则源于平安时代的丹波康赖。丹波康赖原名刘芳康赖是日本平安时代的著名医者，他著有《医心方》一书，因医术精湛至被赐姓“丹波”，归化日本，其时正值中国北宋。

丹波哲郎在新宿区原町的成城学校毕业之后，入读私立的中央大学，并在法学部毕业。在学期间，曾在GHQ翻译社担任兼职翻译。毕业后有志参与演出，所以加入了创艺小剧场及文化座。

他因肺炎引起的并发症在2006年9月24日上午11时27分（日本时间）因于东京都三鹰市病逝，终年84岁。

丹波哲郎有一位儿子丹波义隆。他亦是一位演员。

丹波哲郎是日本过去少数在海外具知名度的演员。他在欧洲很出名。

Tetsurō Tamba (July 17, 1922 – September 24, 2006) was a distinguished Japanese actor known for his versatile talent across five decades. Recognized globally for his portrayal of Tiger Tanaka in the iconic 1967 James Bond film "You Only Live Twice," Tamba's cinematic journey was a remarkable blend of cultural bridges.

Before embarking on his acting career, Tamba worked as an interpreter for the Allied Powers' Supreme Commander. Graduating from Chuo University in 1948, he later joined Shintoho company, making his debut in the film Satsujin Yougishain in 1951.

Tamba's impact on Western audiences extended beyond Bond, with standout performances in films like Bridge to the Sun and The 7th Dawn. He earned acclaim in Japan as well, most notably as the lead in police dramas like Key Hunter and G-Men '75.

His talents weren't confined to the screen alone. Tamba lent his voice to characters like the Cat King in Studio Ghibli's The Cat Returns and graced historical roles in television dramas, leaving an indelible mark on period pieces.

In 2005, Tamba faced health challenges but continued to contribute until the end. Sadly, he passed away in Tokyo at 84 due to pneumonia on September 24, 2006. His legacy lives on through his son, actor Yoshitaka Tamba, while his last appearances in the 2005 Taiga drama Yoshitsune and the 2006 film Sinking of Japan remain a testament to his enduring impact on Japanese cinema and beyond.