Original Godzilla actor Akira Takarada dies aged 87

Takarada was 87 (Picture: Rex Features)

Actor Akira Takarada has died at the age of 87.

Takarada was best known for starring in the original Godzilla in 1954.

His death was announced on Thursday by Toho Studios in a tweet, which said: ‘We are saddened to hear of the passing of Akira Takarada. May his memory continue to inspire the lives of many Godzilla fans.’

A date or cause of death was not provided.

Takarada memorably played Hideto Ogata in the iconic original Godzilla movie, with his character working with the Japanese Coast Guard as the first ship sank by the monster sent out an SOS call.

Ogata was also there when Godzilla died from the Oxygen Destroyer at the end of the film.

Takarada also starred in 1965’s Invasion Of Astro-Monster, alongside Keiko Sawai (centre) and Nick Adams (Picture: LMPC via Getty Images)

Throughout his career, Takarada remained tied to the blockbuster Godzilla franchise as he made appearances in the 1956 American version, titled Godzilla: King of the Monsters, which also featured Raymond Burr, as well as 1964’s Mothra vs. Godzilla.

He returned for the 1992 Godzilla sequel, and 2004’s Godzilla: Final Wars, which was his final major appearance in the franchise, but he did also make a cameo in the 2014 instalment.

Takarada’s other movie credits include monster-themed Invasion of the Astro-Monster in 1965 and 1966’s Ebirah, Horror of the Deep.

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