Shigeru Araki

Shigeru Araki (荒木 茂) played Shigeru Jo/Kamen Rider Stronger, the titular rider of Kamen Rider Stronger. He reprised his role in Kamen Rider (Skyrider). He died on April 14, 2012 of pneumonia. Shigeru has the distinction of being the first actor who played a Kamen Rider who was the star of their show to pass away.

Trivia

 * Araki was originally given the offer of either playing Stronger or Tsuyoshi Kaijo/Akarenger in the other major 1975 Toei Tokusatsu production, Himitsu Sentai Gorenger, which would become the first Super Sentai series. Araki ultimately went with Stronger due to the established nature of the Kamen Rider franchise at the time. The role of Kaijo ultimately went to Naoya Makoto.