Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, the Japanese American actor and martial artist best known for playing the sorcerer Shang Tsung in the 1995 “Mortal Kombat” film, has recently been reported dead at age 75 from co...

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, the Japanese American actor and martial artist best known for playing the sorcerer Shang Tsung in the 1995 “Mortal Kombat” film, has recently been reported dead at age 75 from complications of a stroke in Santa Barbara, California. His death marks the loss of a prolific character actor whose presence defined many action and genre films over more than four decades.
Across his career, Tagawa appeared in more than 30 films, often cast as a poised, calculating antagonist whose physicality and gravitas set him apart. His film credits include the James Bond movie “Licence to Kill,” the war film “Pearl Harbor,” and the drama “Memoirs of a Geisha,” as well as other action and thriller projects that capitalized on his martial arts background.
On television, Tagawa earned strong critical attention for his portrayal of Japanese trade minister Nobusuke Tagomi in the Amazon series “The Man in the High Castle.” His multi-season performance in that alternate-history drama showcased a more introspective and morally complex side of his craft, broadening his reputation beyond villain roles.
Beyond his on-screen work, Tagawa was known as a mentor and teacher who encouraged younger actors and martial artists, reflecting his deep commitment to both performance and discipline. Colleagues and representatives have described him as generous, thoughtful, and devoted to his craft, emphasizing that his impact extended well beyond the characters he portrayed.
1. Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa dead: 'Mortal Kombat' star, martial artist was 75
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