Yoshio Tsuchiya, Godzilla actor, born 1927

Yoshio Tsuchiya, born May 18, 1927 in Japan, was a prolific actor who appeared in several Godzilla movies.  One of his first appearances was the classic film Seven Samurai in 1954, but then he went on to star in Godzilla Raids Again, Son of Godzilla, and Destroy All Monsters.  His final appearance was in Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah in 1991.

He passed away last year September 5.

Takashi Shimura, Godzilla actor, born 1905

One of Japan's finest actors and a descendant of the samurai class, Takashi Shimura was born March 12, 1905.  He found success playing samurai characters and starred in the classic Seven Samurai.  But later that year, he appeared in Godzilla as Dr.  Kyohei Yamane-hakase, which made him famous outside of Japan.  He reprised the role in the sequel Godzilla Raids Again.  His final Godzilla appearance came in 1964 in Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster.

He passed away in February 1982.

"Godzilla: King of the Monsters" released 1954

I gotta celebrate the release of this movie every year, no apologies.  Godzilla: The King of the Monsters was released in 1954 by the Toho Company, who also made Seven Samurai.  Filming both movies simultaneously almost forced the company into bankruptcy.  At the time, it was the most expensive Japanese movie ever made.

It was nominated for Best Picture by the Japanese Academy Awards but lost to Seven Samurai.  It is the only Godzilla movie to receive a nomination for Best Picture.  It did win the award for Best Visual Effects.