Ken Shimura, a popular comedian in Japan, has died after contracting the coronavirus, becoming the country's first known celebrity victim of the disease.
He was 70. Shimura -- who drew inspiration from the late comedic icon Jerry Lewis and attracted fans of all generations with his slapstick comedy and funny faces -- had been treated at a Tokyo hospital and died on Sunday, according to his agency, Izawa Office.
He was diagnosed with pneumonia after contracting COVID-19. Shimura was hospitalized on March 20 after developing a fever and breathing troubles and was put on a ventilator.