Skilled martial arts actor Chiba dies
Japanese actor Sonny Chiba, 82, who wowed the world with his martial arts skills in more than 100 films, including “Kill Bill,” has died.
Chiba, known in Japan as Shinichi Chiba, died late Thursday in a hospital near Tokyo where he had been treated for COVID-19 since Aug. 8, Tokyo-based Astraia, his management office, said in a statement Friday.
Chiba rose to stardom in Japan in the 1960s, portraying samurai, fighters and police detectives, the anguished so-called “anti-heroes” trying to survive in a violent world. He did many of the stunt scenes himself.
His overseas career took off after his 1970s Japanese film “The Street Fighter” proved popular in the Unites States.
American director Quentin Tarantino listed the work as among his “grindhouse,” or low-budget kitsch cinema, favorites. Tarantino cast Chiba in the role of Hattori Hanzo, a master swordsmith in “Kill Bill.”
Chiba appeared in the 1991 Hollywood film “Aces,” directed by John Glen, as well as in Hong Kong movies.
Born in Fukuoka, southwestern Japan, Chiba studied at Nippon Sport Science University and trained in various martial arts, earning a fourthdegree black belt in karate.
Spears under investigation over battery:
Britney Spears is under investigation over misdemeanor battery after a staff member at her home alleged the singer struck her, authorities said Thursday.
Deputies responded to Spears’ home in Southern California after the staff member reported the Monday night dispute, the
Ventura County Sheriff ’s Office said. No one was injured.
Reports taken by deputies will be handed over to prosecutors for consideration, the sheriff ’s office said, giving no further details.
Spears’ attorney Matthew Rosengart said in an email that the investigation is “overblown sensational tabloid fodder — nothing more than a manufactured ‘he said she said’ regarding a cellphone, with no striking and obviously no injury whatsoever.”
“Anyone can make an accusation, but this should have been closed immediately,” Rosengart said.
BTS cancels world tour:
K-pop boy band BTS has canceled its planned Map of the Soul world tour, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our company has worked hard to resume
preparations for the BTS Map of the Soul Tour, knowing that all fans have been waiting eagerly and long for the tour,” the band’s backer Big Hit Music said in a statement.
“Due to changing circumstances beyond our control, it has become difficult to resume performances at the same scale and timeline as previously planned.”
The tour had previously been due to start in April 2020, shortly after the band put out its fourth album “Map of the Soul: 7.”
Aug. 21 birthdays: Actor Melvin Van Peebles is 89. Singer Jackie DeShannon is 80. Actor Loretta Devine is 72. Journalist Harry Smith is 70. Actor Kim Cattrall is 65. Actor Carrie-Anne Moss is 54. TV personality Brody Jenner is 38. Singer Kacey Musgraves is 33. Actor Hayden Panettiere is 32. Actor RJ Mitte is 29.