Frank Iwanaga was an American actor who is best known for Godzilla: King of the Monsters!, Submarine Command, and Halls of Montezuma.
Personal and Family Life
Frank Iwanaga was born Yasuo Iwanaga on December 16, 1922, in Fresno, California. Little is known about his early life or family, but he was part of the film industry during a time when few Asian Americans were represented on screen.
Career
Iwanaga’s acting career included roles in notable films such as Godzilla: King of the Monsters! and Halls of Montezuma. He appeared in several productions during the 1950s and became a recognizable face in the genre of monster films. Despite his contributions, many of his roles went uncredited, highlighting the challenges faced by actors of his background during that era.
Death and Legacy
Frank Iwanaga passed away on June 1, 1963, in Los Angeles, California. His work in films like Godzilla remains celebrated by fans of classic cinema, contributing to the legacy of Asian actors in Hollywood.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Godzilla, King of the Monsters! | 1956-04-27 | Security Officer |
| Submarine Command | 1951-11-01 | |
| Halls of Montezuma | 1951-01-04 | Japanese Soldier (uncredited) |
| Godzilla | 1977-01-01 | Security Officer (uncredited) |
| Godzilla, le Monstre de L’Océan Pacifique | 1957-03-14 | Security Officer (as Frank Iwaiga) |