Deadline has reported that famed Japanese actor Akira Takarada has died at the age of 87, as announced by Toho Studios, producer of Godzilla. No cause or date of death was specified. Takarada is most known for starring in the original Godzilla film from 1954 as Hideto Ogata, a sailor. He was a part of the Japanese Coast Guard and one of the first characters to hear about Godzilla. He was also present at the end of the film to witness Godzilla’s death.

Toho Studios released a statement about his death: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of Akira Takarada. May his memory continue to inspire the lives of many Godzilla fans.”

Takarada also appeared in the 1956 re-edit version of Godzilla: King of the Monsters before he became a part of the ongoing Godzilla franchise. He appeared in Mothra vs. Gozilla in 1964, Godzilla vs. Mothra in 1992, and finally appeared in Godzilla: Final Wars in 2004. He was also a prolific voice actor and lent his voice to several large productions including Disney’s Aladdin and The Great Mouse Detective. He also provided his voice for the Japanese dubbing of Doctor Dolittle in 1967.

See the official announcement from Toho Studios below.

We are saddened to hear of the passing of Akira Takarada.
May his memory continue to inspire the lives of many Godzilla fans. pic.twitter.com/wzBxq8Usi1

— GODZILLA.OFFICIAL (@Godzilla_Toho) March 17, 2022