Kumi Mizuno, born Maya Igarashi on January 1, 1937, in Niigata, Japan, embarked on a remarkable acting journey that would span decades. After graduating from acting school in 1957, she made her screen debut in the Minoru Shibuya film Crazy Society, marking the beginning of a successful career. Her subsequent film, Futari dake no hashi, released in 1958, saw her adopt the stage name Kumi Mizuno, which would become synonymous with her captivating on-screen presence.
Kumi's striking features and endearing personality soon made her a favorite of renowned director Ishirô Honda, leading to a string of notable roles in drama, comedy, and science fiction films produced by Toho Studios. During the "Golden Age" of Japanese cinema, she rose to become one of the country's most beloved actresses, sharing the screen with American actor Nick Adams in Frankenstein vs. Baragon (1965) and Invasion of Astro-Monster (1965). Rumors of a romantic connection between Kumi and Nick during the filming of these two movies were vehemently denied by the pair, citing gossip.
One of Kumi's most iconic performances was her portrayal of Daiyo in Ebirah, Horror of the Deep (1966),a film originally intended to feature King Kong. Her character's romantic relationship with Godzilla, often associated with King Kong, added a unique layer to the story. Although Kumi's memories of her sci-fi films from the 1960s are hazy, she cherishes the experience fondly.
Fast-forward to the 21st century, Kumi Mizuno rekindled her connection with the Godzilla franchise, reprising her role in two films from the "Millennium" series in 2002 and 2004. Her enduring legacy as a Godzilla legend is a testament to her enduring appeal and dedication to her craft.
