Japanese actor Akira Takarada – best known for his role in the original Godzilla movie – has dies at the age of 87, Toho Studios has confirmed.
The established Hollywood actor went on to star in an impressive slew of movies throughout his career before he explored the world of voiceover acting.
Currently, no cause of death has been announced for the Hollywood actor.
Toho Studios released a statement on Twitter confirming the tragic news with their loyal legion of fans online.
They wrote: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of Akira Takarada. May his memory continue to inspire the lives of many Godzilla fans.”
(Image: WireImage)
He played the role of a sailor called Hideto Ogata in the company’s 1954 production of the first Godzilla film.
His character was the liaison with the Japanese Coast Guard in the iconic movie as the first ship sank by the monster as he sent out an SOS call.
The star was also there at the film’s end to watch the beast die at the hands of the Oxygen Destroyer.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Akira also appeared in the 1956 American version of the blockbuster movie titled Godzilla, King of the Monsters, which starred Raymond Burr.
The actor was a regular part of many other editions of the epic movie franchise, including 1964’s Mother vs Godzilla.
He went on to return for the updated version of the film in 1992 and went on to make his final appearance in the series in 2004 when he featured in Godzilla: Final Wars.
(Image: FilmPublicityArchive/United Archives via Getty Images)
The star went on to appear in a range of other extra-terrestrial themed movies including the 1965’s Invasion of the Astro-Monster and Ebirah, Horror of the Deep in 1966.
Outside of his prestigious film career, the actor also was also famed for his impressive range of VoiceOver work.
In 1967, he played the leading VoiceOver role in Doctor Doolittle, before he went on to to star in the Disney animated features The Great Mouse Detective and Aladdin in which he voiced Ratigan and Jafar.
Fans of his work all over the world flooded to Twitter to pay their respects to the late actor online.
(Image: WireImage)
One user penned: “Akira Takarada, the Legendary Godzilla actor, has unfortunately passed away at the age of 87.
“We had the pleasure of meeting him at G-Fest, such a genuinely nice man with incredible stories. He will be sorely missed.”
Another added: “The news broke that Akira Takarada has passed away. My heart is broken.”
A third chimed in with: “Akira Takarada has passed away. He was 87 years old. Takarada was a marvellous actor and kind human being. Rest In Peace.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
