Comedian, actor, and musician Watanabe Yasuo (stage name: Tani Kei) died early Saturday morning of brain contusions after falling down the stairs in his home near Tokyo on Friday evening.� He was 78 years old.

Watanabe had been receiving medical treatment at home for some time before the fall, and had not been on the public stage for many years.� Famous for creating many popular catchphrases, and for voicing the Japanese Charlie Brown, Watanabe first gained success in the 1950s by playing trombone in several Jazz bands, including the wildly popular musical comedy group, Crazy Cats.�� He also appeared in many successful contemporary films, including "Waterboys" (2001), "Swing Girls" (2004), and most recently, "Chameleon" (2008).

Sources: Japan Probe, J-Cast