HARARE – Legendary comedian Lazarus Boora has died.

He was 47.

Boora, who shot to fame playing the character Gringo, died on Monday morning at the Westview Hospital in Zimre Park where he was admitted last week.

The cause of death was unknown, but his family previously appealed for financial assistance to get him treated for what was described as “intestinal obstruction”.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing on of Lazarus Boora this morning. He passed on surrounded by family members. May his soul rest in peace,” the Association of Private Practitioners in Zimbabwe whose doctors had offered their services free of charge said in a statement.

Boora shot to fame in 1997 when he featured on Enock Chihombori’s drama series “Gringo” on ZBC TV.

The success of the series led to similar projects “Gringo Ndiani”, “Gringo Mari Iripi” and subsequently a movie “Gringo the Troublemaker”.

He also acted as Gibbo in the film “Village Secrets”, which was being screened on ZBC.