Ken Watanabe Postpones Return to Broadway's The King and I to Undergo Treatment for Stomach Cancer

Ken Watanabe, who earned a Tony nomination for his performance as the titular King of Siam opposite Kelli O’Hara in The King and I, has had to delay his return to the role. Broadway.com has confirmed that the actor has recently undergone laparoscopic surgery for stomach cancer. Previously set to take over for Hoon Lee at Lincoln Center's Vivian Beaumont Theater on March 1, Watanabe's new start date, along with who will play the role in his absence, will be announced soon.

Watanabe received an Oscar nod for his performance in the 2004 film The Last Samurai. His additional film credits include Batman Begins, Inception, Letters from Iwo Jima and the 2014 reboot of Godzilla.

Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic musical, set in 1860s Bangkok, tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher, whom the imperious King brings to Siam to tutor his many wives and children. The current cast also includes Tony winner Ruthie Ann Miles as Lady Thiang, Conrad Ricamora as Lun Tha and Ashley Park as Tuptim.

Everyone here at Broadway.com wishes Watanabe a speedy recovery.