Entertainment
Kill Bill actor Sonny Chiba dies from Covid-19 complications aged 82
Sonny Chiba has died aged 82 (Picture: Getty Images)
Kill Bill actor Sonny Chiba has died at the age of 82.
The Japanese star, born Shin’ichi Chiba, died of Covid-19 complications, the actor’s agent confirmed to Variety.
Chiba was one of the first actors to become known for his martial arts skills, beginning his career in tokusatsu TV (live action drama that makes heavy use of special effects).
He was one of the studio Toei’s most prolific stars, and made his movie debut in sci-fi film Invasion of the Neptune Men in 1961.
Chiba’s first international hit was in The Street Fighter in 1971.
While he starred in many other films, he also went on to work as a stunt coordinator, an executive producer, and even directed various films.
Chiba’s popularity in Japan did not falter throughout the 80s and 90s, and then in 2003, he was cast in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill as Hattori Hanzo.
In 2004, he returned to the role for Kill Bill Vol. 2, and then in 2011 for Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair.
The actor continued working until a couple of years ago, with his short film Shakespeare in Tokyo being released in 2018.
Tributes have poured in for the late actor (Picture: WireImage)
Tributes have come in for the star, with writer and director Ted Geoghegan writing: ‘The great Sonny Chiba passed away today at age 82, another victim of Covid-19. A martial arts legend with six black belts who started out in tokusatsu TV, Chiba made over 120 movies for Toei and was Japan’s most popular action star for decades. Watch one of his films today.’
Hideo Kojima added: ‘RIP, Sonny Chiba. The sun goes down.’
Writer Jesse Hawken added: ‘RIP to one of the Gods Of Cinematic Ownage, Sonny Chiba’.
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Meanwhile, one of Chiba’s fan’s said: ‘Sonny Chiba was more than action star, he made many movies inc action, horror and crime flicks. Most western film fans will know him from Kill Bill but he’s truly a legend of cinema. He will never be forgotten.’
Another added: ‘RIP to one of the coolest actors in Asian cinema history. A major part of my childhood was watching this incredible hero smash sculls, slice limbs, and save the day. Japan has one extra star in the sky tonight.’
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