In Godzilla films there’s usually one star, and his name is literally the title: “Godzilla.” But actor Akira Takarada was a rare exception to the rule. Beginning with the original 1954 Toho film, Takarada became a familiar foe to the kaiju, appearing regularly over the first few decades of the franchise with multiple comebacks, all the way up to and including the 2014 Hollywood reboot. This week, Takarada died at the age of 87. No cause of death was given.
The official Toho Twitter announced the news to the world. “We are saddened to hear of the passing of Akira Takarada,” the tweet read. “May his memory continue to inspire the lives of many Godzilla fans.”