Haruo Nakajima, the actor who portrayed the fictitious monster known in Japan as Gojira and the world over as Godzilla has died. Nakajima died on August 7 at the age of 88. Nakajima donned the suit in 12 Godzilla movies and was closely associated with Toho, the studio behind the original 1954 movie by Ishiro Honda and its numerous sequels.
Born on January 1, 1929, in Yamgata, Nakajima portrayed most of the monsters involved in the early years of the Godzilla franchise. He retired from his role in 1972 with Godzilla vs Gigan. He spent the rest of his career working at a bowling alley on the studio lot. Other screen credits included Akira Kurosawa films such as Seven Samurai (1954), The Hidden Fortress (1958) and Yojimbo (1961).
R.I.P. Haruo Nakajima, the original Godzilla suit actor for 12 consecutive films. Sad to hear, an era has passed. pic.twitter.com/FOQk5wfL3j
— cinemassacre (@cinemassacre) August 7, 2017
RIP Haruo Nakajima, THE man inside the Godzilla costume from 1954-1972 for 12 consecutive films. #ゴジラ #呉爾羅 #kaiju #gojira pic.twitter.com/EH6UtQ1bJr
— Comic Trips (@ComicTrips) August 7, 2017
Very sad to learn of the death of Kaiju legend Haruo Nakajima; the original Godzilla suit actor. pic.twitter.com/QAkEVuGKD9
— Laserdisc Turtle (@LaserDiscTurtle) August 7, 2017
These are only a few of the fantastic performances from the irreplaceable Haruo Nakajima. Thank you for making our lives brighter. pic.twitter.com/wLaxDVKPp8
— Cosma (@cosmavoid) August 7, 2017
