So as many of you know yesterday August 7th, 2017, Haruo Nakajima, one of my inspirations and childhood heroes passed away. He is most famous for being the man behind the mask when it comes to Godzilla. He played Godzilla more than anyone else, he did it first, and he set the stage for every other Godzilla actor to come. But he also played a number of Toho monsters and before that, he often played extras in war movies. I tried to spotlight his pre-Godzilla works at the start and his two favorite performances, those being Godzilla (Gojira) and Gaira (War Of The Gargantuas)
As I stated on Instagram "Today's a sad day. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but it seems the legendary suit actor Haruo Nakajima passed away today, August 7th, 2017. Nakajima has passed away at 88. Born on January 1st, 1929 his legacy will be eternal. Whether he was trampling Tokyo in the original Godzilla, tanking some explosives that injured his sensitive region, or getting flipped by Shoichi Hirose during the making of King Kong Vs Godzilla this badass was always pushing the boundaries of suitmation. Rest In Peace.
The Japanese actor played Godzilla for 12 consecutive films, beginning with the original Godzilla in 1954. He subsequently played the character in Godzilla Raids Again, King Kong vs. Godzilla, Mothra vs. Godzilla, Ghidorah: the Three-Headed Monster, Invasion of the Astro-Monster, Godzilla vs. the Sea Monster, Son of Godzilla, Destroy All Monsters, All Monsters Attack, Godzilla vs. Hedorah and Godzilla vs. Gigan.
The legendary Haruo Nakajima also played monsters in Mothra, Frankenstein vs. Baragon, The War of the Gargantuas and King Kong Escapes.
Nakajima retired from suit acting in 1972."
6 окт 2024
