Original ‘Godzilla’ Actor Akira Takarada Dies, Aged 87

Akira Takarada, who was in the original Godzilla, has died, aged 87.

The Japanese star’s death was confirmed on March 17 by Toho Studios – which is the production company who is behind the hit 1954 monster movie – in a tweet.

It reportedly read: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of Akira Takarada.

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We are saddened to hear of the passing of Akira Takarada.
May his memory continue to inspire the lives of many Godzilla fans. pic.twitter.com/wzBxq8Usi1

— GODZILLA.OFFICIAL (@Godzilla_Toho) March 17, 2022

“May his memory continue to inspire the lives of many Godzilla fans.”

The post has accumulated over 2,500 retweets and many people have taken to the comments to pay tribute.

One tweeted: “I met him years ago at an anime convention. He was so charming and kind. I was originally going to have my picture taken with him, but he insisted that my mother, who came with me, join in the picture too.

“Rest in Peace, Takarada-san.”

Another added: “I was literally thinking how cool it would be to meet him just a couple of days ago… F*** sake man, this is legitimately sad news. Rest in peace.”

“Truly gut-wrenching. One of the best actors to ever grace the silver screen. He leaves behind a legacy that will never die,” a third said.

So far, Takarada’s cause of death has yet to be confirmed.

In Godzilla, the actor played the role of sailor Hideto Ogata who works for the Japanese Coast Guard.

He also appeared in other films of the franchise, including Mothra vs Godzilla (1964), Godzilla vs Mothra (1992) and Godzilla: Final Wars (2004) and the US version of King of the Monsters (2019).

Reportedly, he was also meant to star in the 2014 US version of Godzilla. However, his scene didn’t make the final cut. Despite this, Takarada still features in the credits.

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