Born on April 29, 1934, in Harbin, China, Akira Takarada rose from the Tôhô New Face program (with Yû Fujiki and Momoko Kôchi) to become one of the most recognizable men associated with the original Godzilla (Gojira) series, even though he appeared in only six installments. He began in 1949 with a small role in "When the Liberty Bell Rang" and after several small roles, his big break came as navy diver Hideto Ogata in the original Gojira (1954). He soon became recognizable for his persona as the cocky, slightly cynical urban male and that made him a very successful actor. Today he is still a celebrity in Japan through his appearances in TV dramas, quiz shows, and commercials.