‘Mortal Kombat’ Star Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa Dies at 75 After Stroke
Mortal Kombat star Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa has passed away at the age of 75 due to complications from a stroke. His death occurred in Santa Barbara on December 4, as confirmed by his spokesperson, Penny Vizcarra.
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa: A Life in Film and Martial Arts
Born in Tokyo, Tagawa was best known for his iconic portrayal of Shang Tsung in various Mortal Kombat projects, including the 1995 film. He also featured prominently in video games and television adaptations of the franchise.
Throughout his career, Tagawa appeared in several notable films such as:
- Pearl Harbor
- Planet of the Apes
- 47 Ronin
- Elektra
- Memoirs of a Geisha
Martial Arts Background
Tagawa moved to the United States at a young age and attended the University of Southern California. There, he studied traditional Japanese karate. He later returned to Japan to enhance his skills through the Japan Karate Association.
During his martial arts journey, he developed his own form called Chun-Shin martial arts, which he taught to others. His athleticism and martial arts expertise greatly influenced his Hollywood career, leading to roles in films like Rising Sun and Showdown in Little Tokyo.
Notable Achievements
In addition to his acting prowess, Tagawa was part of the ensemble cast for Bernardo Bertolucci’s acclaimed film, The Last Emperor, released in 1987. This film achieved significant acclaim, winning nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Later Career and Family Life
Tagawa’s last prominent role was in the Amazon series The Man in the High Castle in 2015, where he played Nobusuke Tagomi, the fictional Trade Minister of the Pacific States of America. He settled in Hawaii with his wife, Sally, where they raised their three children: Calen, Brynne, and Cana. He is also survived by his two grandchildren, River and Thea Clayton.
