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Akira Takarada (1934–2022), star of original “Godzilla”

by Linnea Crowther

Akira Takarada was a Japanese actor who starred in the original “Godzilla” movie in 1954.

Acting career

Takarada had small roles in films for Japanese movie giants Toho before being cast in their now-legendary “Godzilla.” He received top billing as Hideto Ogata, the salvage ship captain who liaisons with the Japanese Coast Guard and helps deliver the Oxygen Destroyer. Takarada appeared in the Americanized 1956 version of the film, “Godzilla, King of the Monsters!” along with star Raymond Burr. Back in Japan, he had roles in a number of other Toho films including “Mothra vs. Godzilla,” “Godzilla vs. the Sea Monster,” and “Godzilla: Final Wars.” Also a voiceover artist, Takarada provided Japanese dubbing for films including “Doctor Dolittle” and “Aladdin,” for which he was the voice of Jafar. He was also the voice of Master of Ceremonies Henry in the Country Bear Jamboree at Tokyo Disneyland.

Notable quote

“On the first day of shooting, I entered the set. I said to the staff, ‘I am Akira Takarada. I’m a newcomer, but I’m going to star as the main character. Please accept my regards.’ I greeted them this way on the first day. Then the chief of the lighting staff said, ‘You’re not the main character; Godzilla is!’” —from an interview with Brett Homenick

Tributes to Akira Takarada

Full obituary: Deadline

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