Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, a beloved actor known for his roles in popular films such as ‘Mortal Kombat’ and ‘The Man in the High Castle’, has sadly passed away at the age of 75. The news of his death was confirmed by his publicist, Penny Vizcarra, who revealed that Tagawa died due to complications from a stroke in Santa Barbara, California on Thursday, Dec. 4.
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Tagawa was most famous for his portrayal of the evil sorcerer Shang Tsung in the ‘Mortal Kombat’ franchise, having appeared in the films, television series, and video games associated with the iconic series. Born in Tokyo on Sept. 27, 1950, Tagawa’s early life was marked by his family’s various relocations due to his father’s work in the American Army, eventually settling in California where he discovered his passion for acting at Duarte High School.
The late actor’s journey into the world of martial arts began in Japan and continued during his time at the University of Southern California. Tagawa’s dedication to the craft led him back to Japan to study with Master Nakayama of the Japan Karate Association before returning to Los Angeles, where he honed his own martial arts style, Chu Shin, while pursuing his acting career.
Tagawa’s big break came in 1987 when director Bernardo Bertolucci cast him in the critically acclaimed film ‘The Last Emperor’, marking the start of a successful career that spanned over three decades. His versatility as an actor allowed him to collaborate with renowned directors such as Ivan Reitman, Tim Burton, and Michael Bay, showcasing his talent across a wide range of film and television projects.
In addition to his work in ‘Mortal Kombat’, Tagawa’s role as Heihachi Mishima in the ‘Tekken’ franchise further solidified his status as a versatile and talented actor within the realm of video games. Despite his success in Hollywood, Tagawa never forgot his roots and continued to take on challenging roles that pushed the boundaries of his craft.
Reflecting on his illustrious career, Tagawa once described his experience working with Bertolucci as “mind-boggling” and a “dream come true”. His dedication to his craft and his ability to bring depth and complexity to his characters endeared him to audiences worldwide.
In his final major role on television, Tagawa starred as Nobusuke Tagomi in the Amazon Prime series ‘The Man in the High Castle’, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry. Tagawa’s passing is mourned by his wife, Sally, their three children, and two grandchildren. His contributions to film, television, and video games will continue to be remembered and celebrated by fans around the world.