Japanese actor Akira Takarada, who is famous for his work in the Godzilla film series, has passed way in Tokyo at the age of 87.

As per Japanese media, Akira Takarada, who appeared at the premiere of his latest film earlier this month, passed away in hospital having contracted pneumonia. The official Godzilla handle on social media posted a tweet which read, “We are saddened to hear of the passing of Akira Takarada. May his memory continue to inspire the lives of many Godzilla fans.”

The Japanese actor is best known for playing the role of navy diver Hideto Ogata in the original Godzilla (1954). He continued his association with the franchise in Mothra vs. Godzilla (1964), Invasion of Astro-Monster (1965), and Godzilla vs. the Sea Monster (1966). He returned to the series in 1992 with Godzilla vs. Mothra and appeared again in Godzilla: Final Wars (2004).

The other monster movies Takarada starred in include, Invasion of the Astro-Monster in 1965, and Ebirah, Horror of the Deep in 1966. He also appeared in other kaiju films like Toho’s King Kong Escapes.