Veteran Toho actor Tadao Nakamaru passed away unexpectedly on April 23, 2009, due to a ruptured aneurysm. He was 76.
Mr. Nakamaru was born on March 31, 1933, and appeared in numerous Toho SFX films, playing the part of Lance Corporal Sudo in The Secret of the Telegian (the film's main villain). He also appeared in Terror of Mechagodzilla as Tagawa, the head of Interpol.
Coincidentally, I contacted Mr. Nakamaru's personal assistant back in March, less than two months before he passed away, and requested an interview with Mr. Nakamaru about his film roles. Mr. Nakamaru politely declined my request, citing his retirement from the film industry.
I send my condolences to the family of Mr. Nakamaru.
Sad news -- he always struck me as a very dignified person. A shame you weren't able to get an interview, though the reason is understandable. Alas.
ReplyDeleteI really wish I could have recorded his memories before his passing, but it wasn't to be. It's always a shock when someone dies so suddenly.
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