Haruo Nakajima (中島春雄?) was born on January 1, 1929 in Yamagata, Japan and is a well-known Japanese actor. Nakajima is best known for his role as Godzilla. He retired from suit acting in 1972 after the death of Eiji Tsuburaya who was the special effects director and close friend. He has recently released an autobiography. Nakajima passed away on August 7, 2017, at the age of 88.
Filmography[]
Acting credits[]
- Gojira (Godzilla, also played himself in a News Paper Editing room.)
- Invisible Man (Invisible Man Akita)
- Godzilla Raids Again (Godzilla)
- Rodan (Rodan, Meganulon)
- The Mysterians (Moguera)
- Varan (Varan)
- The Human Vapor (Transitional Human Vapor)
- Mothra (Mothra)
- Matango (Matango)
- King Kong vs. Godzilla (Godzilla)
- Gorath (Maguma)
- Mothra vs. Godzilla (Godzilla)
- Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster (Godzilla)
- Invasion of Astro-Monster (Godzilla)
- Frankenstein Conquers the World (Baragon)
- Ebirah, Horror of the Deep (Godzilla)
- War of the Gargantuas (Gaira)
- King Kong Escapes (King Kong)
- Destroy All Monsters (Godzilla)
- All Monsters Attack (Godzilla)
- Latitude Zero (Griffon, Giant Rat, Bat Person)
- Space Amoeba (Gezora, Ganimes)
- Godzilla vs. Hedorah (Godzilla)
- Godzilla vs. Gigan (Godzilla)
Television[]
Acting credits[]
Ultra Q (1966)[]
Ultraman (1966-1967)[]
- Ultraman Episode 3, "Science Patrol, Move Out" (Neronga)
- Ultraman Episode 9, "Lightning Operation" (Gabora)
- Ultraman Episode 10, "The Mysterious Dinosaur Base" (Jirass)
- Ultraman Episode 38, "The Spaceship Rescue Command" (Kiyla)
He of the Sun (1967)[]
- He of the Sun Episode 2 (Gaira)
Ultraseven (1967-1968)[]
- Ultraseven Episode 17, "Underground Go! Go! Go!" (U-Tom)
Gallery[]
Haruo Nakajima with Jakks Pacific's Giant Godzilla figure
Nakajima on April 28, 2015
Trivia[]
- During the filming of Varan, Nakajima sustained burns to his private parts which didn't heal properly.
- Nakajima has stated in a interview that his favorite role to play was Gaira because of the freedom given in the fighting scenes.