With the Fingerlings® fam, fun is close at hand. Fingerlings® baby pets cling to your fingers and go where you go, while Fingerlings® HUGS™ are the cuddle monkeys that never want to let you go, and Fingerlings® MINIS™ are the ultimate hangable collectible!
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 acuteleukemia 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
Items in search results
- SPONSORED
NEW MAGIC MONKEY QUESTION & ANSWER GAME XMAS KIDS GIFT TOY FAMILY ACTIVITY PARTY
- £9.50
- + £6.15 postage
- Save up to 15% with Multi-buy
- Customs services and international tracking provided
Mini Magic Painting Book Water Travel A6 Size Colouring Pictures Fun Kids BN
Brand new- £0.99
- + £1.05 postage
VINTAGE 1960'S TOY MAGIC SMOKING MONKEY & FORTUNE TELLER FISH
Brand new- £5.99
- + £10.00 postage
- SPONSORED
Magic Monkey Question & Answer Board Game Family Fun Kids Birthday Xmas Gift
- £13.70
- + £6.26 postage
- Save up to 15% with Multi-buy
- Customs services and international tracking provided
Pop Vinyl Wizard Of Oz #09 Winged Monkey (pop protector) Vaulted
Brand new- £60.00
- 1 bid
- + £10.25 postage
- Customs services and international tracking provided
NEW MAGIC MONKEY QUESTION & ANSWER GAME XMAS KIDS GIFT TOY FAMILY ACTIVITY PARTY
Brand new- £9.50
- + £6.15 postage
- Save up to 15% with Multi-buy
- Customs services and international tracking provided
Magic Monkey Question & Answer Board Game Family Fun Kids Birthday Xmas Gift
Brand new- £13.70
- + £6.26 postage
- Save up to 15% with Multi-buy
- Customs services and international tracking provided
Magic Monkey Question & Answer Board Game Family Fun Kids Birthday Xmas Gift
Brand new- £7.00
- + £6.15 postage
- Customs services and international tracking provided
NEW - MONTY MONKEY, MERLIN WIZARD HAND GLOVE PUPPET by MANHATTAN - UK SELLER
Brand new- £8.99
- + £5.00 postage
Hallmark Itty Bittys Wizard of Oz Winged Monkey
Brand new- £6.00
- + £8.30 postage
Super soft toy;Unicorn,Fox,Elephant,Cat,Donkey,Monkey Jellycat style Christmas!
Brand new- £14.99
- + £9.24 postage
- Customs services and international tracking provided
Wicked The Musical 13' Plush Green Monkey Soft Toy Teddy Wizard Of Oz Witch
Pre-owned- £12.99
- + £6.02 postage
- Customs services and international tracking provided
80061 : Wild West Wizard Of Oz Winged Monkey - Reaper Miniatures Chronoscope ...
Brand new- £5.89
- + £6.10 postage
- Save up to 5% with Multi-buy
- Customs services and international tracking provided
Cry Babies Magic Tears Pets Bubbles Fish, Poppy Hippo, Ko Ko Monkey, Rita Parrot
Brand new- £40.00
- + £6.68 postage
- Customs services and international tracking provided
- SPONSORED
Vintage Rare 1987 Magical Murphy Gorilla Monkey Plush Soft Stuffed Toy Doll
- £19.44
- + £19.33 postage
- From Australia
- SPONSORED
Wicked The Musical 13' Plush Green Monkey Soft Toy Teddy Wizard Of Oz Witch
- £12.99
- + £6.02 postage
- Customs services and international tracking provided
Itty Bitty - BNWT - Winged Monkey from The Wizard of Oz (limited edition)
Brand new- £5.25
- + £8.90 postage
- Customs services and international tracking provided
Cry Babies Magic Tears Pets - Brand New Release - Ko ko the monkey
Brand new- £12.00
- + £6.19 postage
- Customs services and international tracking provided
Multi Hatchimals Colleggtibles Magical Meadow Fuzzy & Common - Your Choice
Pre-owned- £0.99 to £3.50
- Free Postage
- From China
Cry Babies Magic Tears Pets Nemo Bubbles the Fish and Ko Ko the Monkey NEW
Brand new- £16.00
- + £10.81 postage
- Customs services and international tracking provided
Lego Wizard of OZ Set + Wicked Witch and Winged Monkey. Dorothy. MOC. New. Lot.
Brand new- £40.00
- + £9.44 postage
- Customs services and international tracking provided
Vintage Magic Square Card Game Puzzle Naughty Monkey Original Box Complete Used
Pre-owned- £7.21
- + £19.33 postage
- From Australia
Medicom Toy Box Set Kubrick + Bearbrick 100% SAIYUKI SON GOKU monkey magic NEW
- £40.47
- + £12.14 postage
- 5 Watching
- From Netherlands
- SPONSORED
80061 : Wild West Wizard Of Oz Winged Monkey - Reaper Miniatures Chronoscope ...
- £5.89
- + £6.10 postage
- Save up to 5% with Multi-buy
- Customs services and international tracking provided
Living Dead Dolls - The Wizard of Oz - Flying Monkey Three Pack Exclusive - New
Brand new- £36.68
- + £3.99 postage
Magical Transforming Cuddle Cushion Pals At Home Monkey Chimp Soft Toy Plush
Pre-owned- £6.99
- + £6.11 postage
- Customs services and international tracking provided
Warhammer Citadel 1980's metal AD&D mage sorcerer magic C02 WIZARD MULTI-LIST
Pre-owned- £5.00 to £7.00
- + £7.75 postage
Magical murphy gorilla Monkey Soft Plush Toy Moves Banana Earring retro 80s toy
Pre-owned- £20.99
- + £10.99 postage
Vintage Rare 1987 Magical Murphy Gorilla Monkey Plush Soft Stuffed Toy Doll
Pre-owned- £19.44
- + £19.33 postage
- From Australia
GREEN VINTAGE 1960'S TOY MAGIC SMOKING MONKEY & FORTUNE TELLER FISH
Brand new- £5.99
- + £10.00 postage
BLUE VINTAGE 1960'S TOY MAGIC SMOKING MONKEY & FORTUNE TELLER FISH
Brand new- £5.99
- + £10.00 postage
HOT WHEELS MONKEY WRENCHES & CHUCKLES THE MAGICAL MONKEY VAN & TRUCK FREE P&P
Pre-owned- £9.99
- + £6.16 postage
- Customs services and international tracking provided
Lego Flying Monkey Minifigure AUTHENTIC Batman Movie 70917 Wizard of Oz smile
Brand new- £25.00
- + £9.50 postage
Brand New The Magic Box Puzzle Brain Teaser Box Monkey Pod Wooden Secret Trick
Brand new- £7.69
- + £1.98 postage
- From China
Flying Monkey Itty Bitty Soft Toy Character - Wizard of Oz - Collectible - Gift
Brand new- £9.50
- + £6.19 postage
- Customs services and international tracking provided
Kinder Surprise SHIM BANZAI KUNG FU MONKEYS figures MAGIC KINDER
Pre-owned- £10.00
- + £9.35 postage
Hallmark Itty Bittys Soft Toys Wizard Of Oz Glenda The Good Witch,Flying Monkey
Brand new- £15.00
- + £9.24 postage
- Customs services and international tracking provided
BRUCE LEE TEMPLE OF KUNG FU FIGURE MONKEY KING MAGIC RARE 1/40
Pre-owned- £39.99
- + £6.67 postage
- Customs services and international tracking provided
3 X VINTAGE 1960'S TOY MAGIC SMOKING MONKEY'S PLUS ORIGINAL SHOP DISPLAY CARD
Brand new- £19.99
- 0 bids
- + £12.00 postage
WIZARD OF OZ Vaulted - FUNKO Wacky Wobbler WINGED MONKEY CHASE Vaulted 2012
Brand new- £43.87
- + £19.33 postage
- From Australia
FUNKO POP VINYL #09 WINGED MONKEY FIGURE THE WIZARD OF OZ SERIES VAULTED MOVIES
Pre-owned- £64.99
- + £8.00 postage
New listing The Wizard of Oz Flying Monkey Plush Figure Warner Brothers Tags Stored 1998
Pre-owned- £59.00
- 0 bids
- + £12.92 postage
- Customs services and international tracking provided
Littlest Pet Shop Magic Monkeys With Treehouse With Box 1993 Rare!
Pre-owned- £14.99
- + £9.27 postage
- Customs services and international tracking provided
Disney Mcdonald’s Aladdin Figure Toy Bundle Abu Monkey Elephant Magic Carpet
Pre-owned- £6.29
- + £6.14 postage
- Customs services and international tracking provided
Magic Box Puzzle Brain Teaser Box Monkey Pod Wooden Secret Trick Intelligence
Brand new- £9.88 to £11.88
- Free Postage
- From Thailand
TY BEANIES. TWO DOGS 'DOBY'TRICKS' GOOD CONDITION NO EAR TAGS.
Pre-owned- £0.99
- 0 bids
- + £9.02 postage
- Customs services and international tracking provided
LEGO Dimensions Disc - Wicked Witch #40 with Lime Crystal Ball Print
Brand new- £2.39
- + £2.99 postage
- 5% off over 2
LEGO DIMENSIONS SUPERMAN #71236 DC COMIC TEAM SET BOXED SEALED NICE!
Brand new- £16.18Previous price£20.23
- + £19.43 postage
- From United States
- £16.18
NEW MAGIC MONKEY QUESTION & ANSWER GAME XMAS KIDS GIFT TOY FAMILY ACTIVITY PARTY
Brand new- £8.99
- + £9.95 postage
Hallmark 25488410 Wizard of Oz Monkey Itty Bitty
Brand new- £10.38
- + £5.98 postage
- Customs services and international tracking provided
4 Monkey Cage = Artifact Mercadian Masques Mtg Magic Rare 4x x4
Pre-owned- £2.16
- + £2.43 postage
- From United States
Hallmark 25488410 Wizard of Oz Monkey Itty Bitty
Brand new- £12.99
- + £8.00 postage
Ty Beanie Babie Tricks Sock Monkey
Brand new- £54.95
- + £69.99 postage
New Magic Monkey Question and Answer Game PMS Family Activity
Brand new- £8.99
- Postage not specified
Magic Monkey Question & Answer Board Game Family Fun Kids Birthday Xmas Gift
Brand new- £7.00
- Postage not specified
- Save up to 7% with Multi-buy