March 18, (THEWILL) – Ace Japanese actor, Akira Takarada, known for his appearance in the original 1954 Godzila, Is dead. He died at the age of 87.
His death was announced in a short statement by Toho studios, but they did not state the date and cause of his death.
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of Akira Takarada. May his memory continue to inspire the lives of many Godzila fans.”
Takarada was famous for his role in Godzila franchise and also his voiceover work. His film debut was a role in When the Liberty Bell Rings.
His break out role was in Hideo Ogata, a navy diver in the original film Godzila.
He featured in the 1956 American re-edit Godzila King of Monsters. And was part of the on going Godzila series, appearing in Muthra vs Godzilla(1964).
He returned to the Godzilla series in 1992 with the updated Godzilla vs Mauthra and then makes his final appearance in the series Godzilla: Final War (2004).
He also featured in movies such as Half Human, Romantic Daughters and a Rainbow in my Heart.
For his voiceover works, he was the lead character in Doctor Dolittle, Great Mouse Detective and Aladdin.
In which he voiced the villains Ratigan and Jafar respectively.
