Kurobe Susumu

Known to millions as the human face of a hero, Kurobe Susumu is immortalized in pop culture history as Hayata Shin, the Science Patrol member who transforms into the titular giant in the original Ultraman (1966). He has reprised this role in numerous sequels and spin-offs over the decades.

In a stark contrast to his television persona, Kurobe’s film career at Toho often saw him cast as villains, assassins, and henchmen. He played a cold-blooded assassin in Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster (1964) and a henchman for the evil Dr. Who in King Kong Escapes (1967).

His legacy in the franchise extends to the next generation; his daughter, Yoshimoto Takami, starred as the female lead Yanase Rena in Ultraman Tiga (1996). Father and daughter notably shared the screen in the 2008 film Great Decisive Battle! The Super 8 Ultra Brothers.