Japanese martial artist film star Sonny Chiba dies at 82

By YURI KAGEYAMA
Associated Press

TOKYO (AP) — Japanese actor Sonny Chiba, who wowed the world with his martial arts skills in more than 100 films, including “Kill Bill,” has died. He was 82. His office says he died in a hospital while being treated for COVID-19. Chiba rose to stardom in Japan in the 1960s, portraying samurai, fighters and police detectives, doing many stunt scenes himself. His overseas career took off after “The Street Fighter” proved popular in the United States. American director Quentin Tarantino listed the work as among his “grindhouse” favorites and cast him as master swordsmith Hattori Hanzo in “Kill Bill.” Chiba’s career was also boosted by the boom in kung fu films, set off by Chinese legend Bruce Lee, although with a dirtier fighting style.