KUALA LUMPUR – Popular actress Yuri Nakamura has died at the age of 44 following a private, prolonged battle with rectal cancer, according to a statement released by her talent agency on Monday.
The agency confirmed that Nakamura passed away on Sept 1, and a private funeral service was held shortly after, attended only by close family members, fellow agency actors, and production staff.
“Nakamura was first diagnosed with cancer approximately 13 years ago, but chose to keep her condition private while continuing her acting career after going into remission,” the agency stated.
However, the cancer returned in January 2026, and despite a successful surgical procedure, the disease metastasized to other parts of her body.
In August, while preparing to return to screen work, Nakamura suffered a bowel obstruction, prompting doctors to inform her family that her remaining time was limited.
The actress spent her final days surrounded by family and close associates.
A fourth-generation Zainichi Korean based in Japan, Nakamura built a career spanning over two decades, notably starring in films such as Motherhood and Ichiko, as well as the Netflix series Romantic Anonymous. -MalayaDailyToday
