Shimizu Kinichi was a Japanese comedian and film actor born in Kofu, Yamanashi, Japan. He began his career at 16 in Tokyo, becoming a disciple of Shimizu Kintaro, a leader in Asakusa Opera. During this period, he took the name Shimizu Kinichi and had a child with actress Mine Rei. After Kintaro's death in 1934, Kinichi joined the revue troupe "Pier Boys" under Yanagida Tadakazu.

In 1935, he joined "Kingdom of Laughter," founded by Furukawa Roppa, and performed at the Asakusa Opera House with Sakai Shunji. He married Shibano Haruko, an Opera House actress, and they had three daughters. By 1940, Shimizu became exclusive to Toho and later joined Yoshimoto Kogyo, forming the "Shinsei Kigeki-za" at Asakusa Kagetsu Theater with Tanaka Minoru.

Known for his poor memory and reliance on ad-libs, Shimizu faced legal issues, resulting in a suspension from Kinryukan. Despite World War II's worsening conditions, he continued performing until June 1945. After Japan's surrender in August 1945, Shimizu reopened "Shinsei Kigeki-za" in Shinjuku, renaming it "Shimizu Kinichi Troupe" in November before disbanding it in May.

In August, he moved to Shochiku and became a freelance actor in 1950, appearing in many Toei Tokyo Studio productions. He divorced Shibano Haruko in 1951 and married actress Asagiri Kyoko. In February 1961, he attempted suicide but later returned to acting, including television work.

On October 10, 1966, Shimizu died from a cerebral hemorrhage following a fall at his home in Yoyogi Tomigaya, Shibuya, Tokyo, at 54 years old.

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