Akira Takarada Cause of Death Tragic: ‘Godzilla’ Actor Dead at 87

By Alexandria Reeves

Akira Takarada, a Japanese actor who became part of the original "Godzilla" film, has died. He was 87.

Deadline reported the news about his passing, quoting "Godzilla" producer Toho Studios' official statement. The official Twitter account of the film franchise also shared a photo of the actor, expressing its grief after losing the talented star.

"We are saddened to hear of the passing of Akira Takarada. May his memory continue to inspire the lives of many Godzilla fans," the caption said.

While Toho Studios and "Godzilla" Twitter account did not reveal Akira Takarada's cause of death, a Japanese news outlet, Nippon.com, announced that he died at a hospital in Tokyo on Monday due to pneumonia.

Following the emergence of the news, the hashtag #RIPAkiraTakarada trended in several countries as fans poured tributes for the late actor.

One said, "We lost one of Japan's greatest! Watched Akira Takarada so many times in my childhood when KTLA ran Monster Zero (Invasion of the Astro Monsters) and Godzilla 5x each week on its 8:00 movie and in other monster movies too. This loss hurts! #RIPAkiraTakarada."

Thank you, Akira Takarada, for loving Godzilla so much. Your enthusiasm, love, and support for the series has meant so much to me and to all of the Godzilla fans around the world. You are an icon. Our hero. Thank you so much, Akira Takarada. We miss you already. #RIPAkiraTakarada pic.twitter.com/fSfV9Gwt32
— Yoko Higuchi (@theYokoHiguchi) March 17, 2022

Rest easy, man. You left a real good mark on the world. #RIPAkiraTakarada pic.twitter.com/mHrqcTWEO0
— Davis Madole (@titangoji) March 17, 2022

Akira Takarada played the role of Hideto Ogata in the original film. As a sailor, he served as the liaison with the Japanese Coast Guard after the first ship that Godzilla ruined sent an SOS.

He also appeared in the 1956 American re-edit of the movie "Godzilla, King of the Monsters." He graced more "Godzilla" flicks in the years thereafter, joining "Mothra vs. Godzilla" in 1964" and the updated "Godzilla vs. Mothra" in 1992.

Akira Takarada made his final return to the "Godzilla" franchise in "Godzilla: Final Wars" in 2004.

Akira Takarada's Legacy Remembered

Aside from the "Godzilla" franchise, he also expanded his career through several monster movies, like "Invasion of the Astro-Monster," "Horror of the Deep," and "King Kong Escapes.

He then tried his luck in stage productions and voiceover careers.

In 1967, he notably became part of the Japanese dubbing team for "Doctor Doolittle." At that time, he gave life to Rex Harrison's titular character.

Akira Takarada made it to Disney animated features, as well, gracing "The Great Mouse Detective" and "Aladdin."

He added several Japanese musicals under his belt, such as "My Fair Lady," "Gone with the Wind," and "Annie Get Your Gun."

Before his death, Akira Takarada was able to appear in the 2019 movie, "Dance with Me."