Sad News, 'Godzilla' Actor, Akira Takarada Died

JAKARTA - Actor Akira Takarada passed away on Monday, March 14. Toho Studios as the production house for the original Godzilla film announced this sad news via its Twitter account.

“We are saddened to hear of the passing of Akira Takarada. May his memories inspire the lives of many Godzilla fans," wrote Toho Studios on Friday, March 18.

They did not explain the reason for the death of Akira Takarada. During this time, the actor also looks healthy and does not have certain diseases.

Born on April 29, 1934, Akira Takarada is an actor who became popular through the 1954 film Godzilla. His character is a sailor who guards the coast of Japan after the first ship sunk by Godzilla sends an SOS signal.

After that, Akira Takarada also starred in several Godzilla films and series such as King of the Monsters (1956), Mothra vs Godzilla (1964), and Godzilla vs Monthra (1992). His last appearance was in the 2004 series Godzilla: Final Wars.

He has also taken on several voice roles such as 1967's Doctor Doolittle and Disney's The Great Mouse Detective and Aladdin. He voices the characters Ratigan and Jafar simultaneously.

In addition, Akira Takarada also contributed his voice for the video game Kingdom Hearts. At Tokyo Disneyland, Akira's voice can be heard at the Country Bear Theater.

Akira Takarada died at the age of 87 years.