Beloved actor known for starring in numerous hit movies and TV shows passes away at 75

SANTA BARBARA, California Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, renowned for his roles in the Mortal Kombat franchise and several popular television series, passed away Thursday at the age of 75 due to complications from a stroke. His family confirmed the news of his death.

Tagawas longtime manager, Margie Weiner, shared a statement saying, I had the honor of managing Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa for many years, and over time our relationship grew into a familial bond. Cary was a remarkable individual: generous, thoughtful, and deeply devoted to his art. His absence leaves a void that cannot be measured. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and everyone who cherished him.

Throughout his career, Tagawa appeared in major films including Pearl Harbor, Planet of the Apes, License to Kill, 47 Ronin, Elektra, and Memoirs of a Geisha. He also gained recognition on television with roles in series such as Nash Bridges and The Man in the High Castle.

Born in Tokyo on September 27, 1950, Tagawa was the son of a U.S. Army member and spent much of his childhood in various locations across the United States. He entered the acting world at age 36 after working in diverse jobs including celery farming, limousine driving, pizza supply delivery, and photojournalism. His first significant film role was in 1987s The Last Emperor. He became widely known for his portrayal of Shang Tsung, the antagonist in the Mortal Kombat movies and games.

Reflecting on his career, Tagawa noted in 2005, For Asian actors in Hollywood, opportunities are better than ever, but progress is still slow. The roles may not have increased significantly, yet the visibility has grown commercially.

Tagawa is survived by his wife, Sally, their three childrenCalen, Brynne, and Canaand two grandchildren.

Author: Riley Thompson