Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa: A Legendary Actor’s Legacy
Actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, known for his iconic roles in Mortal Kombat and Memoirs of a Geisha, has passed away at 75. According to Deadline, the actor died from complications following a stroke on Thursday, December 4, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Tagawa was widely recognized for his portrayal of Shang Tsung, the dark sorcerer, in numerous Mortal Kombat projects, including films, television series, and video games. He first took on the role in the 1995 movie and reprised it in Mortal Kombat: Annihilation two years later. The actor’s contributions to the franchise continued with appearances in Mortal Kombat: Legacy, Mortal Kombat X: Generations, and voice acting in Mortal Kombat 11 and Mortal Kombat: Onslaught.
A Career Spanning Decades
The first Mortal Kombat movie, released in 1995, was a major commercial success, earning over $100 million on a $20 million budget. Tagawa attributed the film’s success to the timing of its release, which coincided with the growing popularity of the video game series. He noted that the film’s director, Paul W.S. Anderson, played a significant role in shaping the film’s visual style and music, which perfectly complemented the on-screen action.
Tagawa’s breakthrough role was in Bernardo Bertolucci’s 1987 Academy Award-winning epic, The Last Emperor, where he portrayed Chang, the emperor’s chauffeur. Although his character was relatively minor, he still played an important role in the film. The actor also appeared in another video game adaptation, taking on the villainous role of Heihachi Mishima in Tekken, although the film failed to achieve the same level of success as Mortal Kombat.
A Lasting Legacy
Throughout his career, Tagawa demonstrated his versatility as an actor, voice actor, producer, and martial artist. Born on September 27, 1950, in Tokyo, Japan, he stood at 5 feet 11 inches tall. With a career spanning decades, Tagawa left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, and his contributions to the Mortal Kombat franchise will be remembered by fans worldwide.
As the entertainment industry mourns the loss of this talented actor, his legacy will continue to inspire and entertain audiences through his iconic roles and memorable performances. With his passing, the world has lost a true legend, but his impact on the world of cinema and gaming will endure for generations to come.
Birthdate: September 27, 1950
Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan
Height: 5 feet 11 inches
Professions: Actor, Voice Actor, Producer, Martial Artist
