Japanese actor Akira Takarada – best known for his role in the original Godzilla film – has died at the age of 87, Toho Studios has confirmed.
The established Hollywood actor starred in an impressive array of films throughout his career before venturing into the world of voice acting.
No cause of death for the Hollywood actor has been announced at this time.
Toho Studios released a statement on Twitter confirming the tragic news with their loyal legion of fans online.
They wrote: “We are saddened by 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 named Hideto Ogata in the 1954 production of the company’s first Godzilla film.
His character was the Japan Coast Guard liaison in the iconic film when the first ship sank by the monster when he sent out an SOS call.
The star was also there at the end of the film 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 film titled Godzilla, King of the Monsters starring Raymond Burr.
The actor has been a staple in many other installments of the epic film series, including 1964’s Mother vs Godzilla.
He returned for the updated version of the film in 1992 and made his final appearance on the series in 2004 when he appeared in Godzilla: Final Wars.
(Image: FilmPublicityArchive/United Archives via Getty Images)
The star has appeared in a number of other alien films, including 1965’s Invasion of the Astro-Monster and Ebirah, Horror of the Deep in 1966.
Outside of his prestigious film career, the actor was also renowned for his impressive range of voiceover work.
In 1967, he played the lead voiceover role in Doctor Doolittle before starring in the Disney animated films The Great Mouse Detective and Aladdin, in which he voiced Ratigan and Jafar.
Fans of his work around the world flocked to Twitter to pay their respects online to the late actor.
(Image: WireImage)
One user wrote: “Akira Takarada, the legendary Godzilla actor, has sadly passed away at the age of 87.
“We had the pleasure of meeting him at G-Fest, such a really nice man with incredible stories. He will be sorely missed.”
Another added: “News came out that Akira Takarada passed away. My heart is broken.”
A third chimed in: “Akira Takarada has passed away. He was 87 years old. Takarada was a wonderful actor and a kind person. Rest in peace.”
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