Ken Watanabe stomach cancer diagnosis delays Broadway return in 'The King and I'

The actor was scheduled to return to 'The King and I' in March.

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Photo: Charles Sykes/Invision/AP

Ken Watanabe, who was scheduled to return to the Broadway musical The King and I next month, has delayed his reprise on Broadway after receiving a diagnosis of and surgery for early stomach cancer, EW has confirmed.

Watanabe, 56, made his Broadway debut in last year’s award-winning revival of The King and I and was slated to reappear in the show from March 1 through April 17.

The actor has not canceled his return to The King and I but rather issued a statement suggesting postponement. Watanabe is currently recovering from endoscopic surgery at a hospital in Japan.

In 1989, the actor was also diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.

Watanabe made his U.S. stage debut in the Lincoln Center Theater production and earned a 2015 Tony Award nomination for the role of the King of Siam. LCT has not yet confirmed an interim replacement for Watanabe; the role is currently being played by Hoon Lee, who had been expected to end his run on Feb. 28, with Jose Llana scheduled to appear April 19 through May 1 and Daniel Dae Kim (of Lost and Hawaii Five-0) slated to step into the role on May 3.

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