Comedian Anh Vũ dies aged 47

HÀ NỘI — Vietnamese comedian Anh Vũ died at aged 47 on Monday in California, the US, People’s Artist Hồng Vân has confirmed from HCM City.

The artist passed away while performing in the US at the invitation of Dân Nam Thúy Uyển troupe at Sài Gòn Performing Arts Center, Orange County, with a stroke the suspected cause of death.

People’s Artist Ngọc Giàu, who was not in America at the time of Vũ’s death, speculated he had died of a stroke.

“If I were there, I would have taken him to ER as he seemed like he suffered a stroke. He was too young and had so much ahead of him,” she said.

Comedians were shocked and mourned his death.

“I performed side by side with Vũ. During rehearsal time, he got tired and stuttered a few words. He said he was using too many sleeping pills, fearing the time zone difference made him exhausted. However, he still acted his best. I was shocked he died this morning.

“When his roommate woke him up in the morning for breakfast, his body was cold. As 911 arrived at the scene, police did not let us enter his friend’s house. They are carrying out the investigation now,” said actor and Vũ’s colleague Trí Quang.

The actor was diagnosed with intestinal cancer 19 years ago, but thanks to chemotherapy treatment and a strict diet he beat the disease.

Vũ was the deputy director of Kim Châu Cinema Theatre based in Hồ Chí Minh City. — VNS