Machiko Soga (March 18, 1938 - May 7, 2006)

This lady was a very talented Japanese voice actor and actress. Beginning in the 1960's she worked regularly on Japanese television live action shows and animated programs. She usually could be seen playing an evil witch, queen or some other form of head villainess. Some of the titles include "Obake no Q-taro", "Pyun Pyun Marv" and "Saibogu 009." In 1992, she played the witch Bandora on "Kyoryu sentai Jurenja." A year later that footage was transported to America and would become the "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers." The witch Bandora was re-named Rita Replusa and her voice was dubbed by American voice actress Barbara Goodson. Rita became an instant hit in America and Machiko became well known in many households. Because of her elaborate costume and shrilling voice she became a favorite to children and adults. Footage of the original Japanese series was edited in with the American actors and whatever voice overs that were necessary were used. "Power Rangers" began on August 28, 1993 and produced 60 episodes during its first season. Season 2 began on July 21, 1994 and it brought in a new villain. The monsterous Lord Zedd was introduced as Rita Replusa's "boss" and he banished Rita because of her constant failure to destroy the Power Rangers. Rita Repulsa didn't stay gone for long, she returned in February of 1995. Footage of Machiko Soga as Rita was lasted used on Valentine's Day 1995. Thanks to a special "beauty cream" Rita's face changed (allowing the actress to change) and she was now played by Carla Perez. Barbara Goodson continued to provide the voice. Perez and Goodson continued to appear as Rita on a recurring basis until 1998. In 1995, Machiko was also seen in an episode of "V.R. Troopers" as a character called Desponda. On February 28, 2004 the 500th episode in the Power Rangers series aired. It was part of the series called "Power Rangers Dino Thunder" and the episode was called "Legacy of Power." Footage of Machiko as Rita Repulsa in the early days was proudly featured. In 2005 Machiko Soga began appearing on the Japanese production "Mahou sentai Magirenja" as the character Magijiel. In November 2006 footage of that performance was edited into an episode of Power Rangers Mystic Force and the character was called the Mystic Mother. The Mystic Mother was Rita Repulsa after she has been released from her evil ways. The Mystic Mother was voiced by Susan Brady. Machiko Soga was the perfect villainess....her performance as Bandora was great and even though she never intended to, she turned Rita Repulsa into an icon with certain groups of fans. Her performance is beloved by so many and her death in 2006 was a crushing blow.