A sad bit of news today. Veteran tokusatsu actor Toshiaki Nishizawa has passed away at age 77. Nishizawa is perhaps best known by toku fans for his lengthy role as Commander Qom in the first Metal Hero Series Uchuu Keiji Gavan and his continuation of that role in Uchuu Keiji Sharivan and Uchuu Keiji Shaider. True to his character Nishizawa even returned to play Commander Qom in the recent Uchuu Keiji Gavan The Movie.
Mr. Nishizawa lost a long battle with lung cancer today at a Tokyo Hospital. His passing comes at a time when Metal Heroes are in a full revival, and the legacy of Mr. Nishizawa and Commander Qom will not be forgotten. As the newest Space Sheriff, Geki Jumonji, would say “leave light in the dust.”
Credit: Nikkan Sports