TOKYO (TR) – Former actor and impersonator Ryotaro Shimizu, whose entertainment career was derailed by a high-profile drug conviction, has died at the age of 37, his father announced.
The cause of death has not been announced but it is believed to have been a suicide, reports TV Asahi (Aug. 2).
Veteran impersonator Akira Shimizu, 72, confirmed the sudden passing of his third son in a statement released on his agency’s official website on Sunday.
“It happened so suddenly that I still cannot accept this reality,” the grieving father wrote. “It is a deeply painful and sad time for our family.”
Ryotaro’s career came to an abrupt end in October 2017 when he was arrested for violating the Stimulants Control Law. He was handed a sentence of one year and six months in prison, suspended for three years, for the use of illegal stimulants. Following the scandal, he was fired from his father’s talent agency and faded from the public eye.
Debut in historical drama
Born in Tokyo, Ryotaro made his acting debut in the 2006 NHK historical drama “Komyo ga Tsuji.” He later gained popularity appearing in hit television dramas such as the third season of “Gokusen” and “Hammer Session!,” while also making a name for himself as an impersonator on variety shows.
In his statement, Akira Shimizu pleaded with the public for privacy as the family mourns. He fondly recalled performing in concerts alongside his son, calling it his “greatest happiness.”
“I used to think that staying healthy was the best way to show filial piety, so this brings me immense regret,” the elder Shimizu wrote, adding that he intends to live a long life to make up for his son’s untimely death.
