Netflix Star Yuri Nakamura Dies at 44

Yuri Nakamura, a Japanese-Korean actor best known for Netflix's hit series Romantics Anonymous, died on Sept. 1 of rectal cancer at age 44, her agency announced. Alpha Agency thanked fans and colleagues for their support and said she "maintain[ed] a beautiful and gentle smile" in her final moments with family and other loved ones, per a translated statement cited by Deadline.

Nakamura portrayed a psychologist named Irene in Romantics Anonymous, which has drawn 103 million views since its October 2025 debut and topped Netflix's Japanese series chart (check out a trailer here). Her film work included Love Letter From Heaven, Like Father, Like Son, and The 8-Year Engagement. The Japan News notes Nakamura also did other TV projects, as well as stage work.

Alpha Agency said Nakamura was first diagnosed with cancer in 2013, though she kept mum about it at the time. The disease went into remission but returned in January 2025 and had spread. Nakamura was informed in August she had limited time left.