Ken Shimura was 70

Japanese comedian Ken Shimura, a household name in his country since the 1970s, has died of coronavirus.

The 70-year-old, whose slapstick style was inspired by Jerry Lewis, was the first Japanese celebrity to go public with a Covid-19 diagnosis.

He was hospitalised on March 20 after developing a fever and breathing troubles. He was put on on a ventilator and tested positive for the coronavirus three days later.

Shimura came to fame via the comedy rock band the Drifters, and via his character Baka Tonosama (Stupid Warlord). He was set to star in the upcoming feature film God of Cinema.

Published: 30 Mar 2020