Sonny Chiba, Martial Arts Legend <br />and ‘Kill Bill’ Actor, Dead at 82.<br />Shinichi “Sonny” Chiba was a Japanese actor and martial arts legend famous for roles in American films like 'Kill Bill' and 'The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift.'.<br />'Variety' reports that on August 18, Chiba's agent confirmed that the 82-year-old actor had died <br />due to COVID-19 complications.<br />'Variety' reports that on August 18, Chiba's agent confirmed that the 82-year-old actor had died <br />due to COVID-19 complications.<br />Chiba’s acting career spanned from <br />the 1960s through the 2010s.<br />In addition to his roles in popular American films, <br />he appeared in countless Japanese productions.<br />Born Sadaho Maeda in Fukuoka, Japan, on <br />January 22, 1939, he began learning martial arts while <br />at the Nippon Sports Science University in 1957.<br />Born Sadaho Maeda in Fukuoka, Japan, on <br />January 22, 1939, he began learning martial arts while <br />at the Nippon Sports Science University in 1957.<br />He earned a first-degree black belt in 1965. <br />In 1984, he received his fourth-degree black belt. .<br />He earned a first-degree black belt in 1965. <br />In 1984, he received his fourth-degree black belt. .<br />He also held black belts in ninjutsu, shorinji <br />kempo, judo, kendo and goju-ryu karate.<br />He also held black belts in ninjutsu, shorinji <br />kempo, judo, kendo and goju-ryu karate.<br />Chiba starred in his first martial arts <br />film, 'Karate Kiba,' in 1973.<br />Chiba starred in his first martial arts <br />film, 'Karate Kiba,' in 1973.<br />1974’s 'The Street Fighter' gained <br />him international recognition
