Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, known for his roles in films like 'Mortal Kombat', 'Last Emperor', and 'Man In The High Castle', passed away at the age of 75.
The film world was left a little sadder today by the unfortunate passing of the impeccable actor, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa. The actor, best known for his work in films such as Mortal Kombat, The Last Emperor, Memoirs of a Geisha, and The Man in the High Castle, passed away on Thursday in Santa Barbara at the age of 75. Now, in a statement to Deadline, the actor's family has confirmed the news and the cause of his demise.
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa passed away on December 4, 2025, in the presence of his family and loved ones. The actor was 75 years old at the time of his passing. The news has come as a shock to his fans and the entertainment world, who are questioning what happened to the actor.
In a conversation with Deadline, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa's family confirmed that the actor passed away due to complications from a stroke early on the morning of December 4, 2025. According to reports, the actor was surrounded by his children in his final moments. His family confirmed the news, sharing that despite the best possible medical attention, Cary couldn't survive the complications of the stroke.
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa is best known to the audience for his role as the evil sorcerer 'Shang Tsung' in the film, TV, and video game iterations of the Mortal Kombat franchise. He began playing the character in New Line's 1995 film adaptation and also appeared in the 1997 follow-up, Mortal Kombat: Annihilation. He reprised the role with guest appearances in the 2013 TV series, Mortal Kombat: Legacy, and one episode of Mortal Kombat X: Generations in 2015.
In 2019, he voiced the character in Mortal Kombat 11 and lent his likeness to Mortal Kombat: Onslaught in 2023. According to reports, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa's film, Mortal Kombat, grossed more than USD 100 million on a budget of around USD 20 million. Talking about the role, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa once said:
"It was the perfect timing in that Mortal Kombat, as a video game, at the time we did the film, was on number four or five, and the impact of the film certainly had to do with the build of the video games."
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa also credited director, Paul W.S. Anderson for the opportunity in Mortal Kombat that made him a household name. He stated that the director was the first in martial arts history to use such upbeat music in a film of this sort. He was quoted as saying:
"He was the first one in martial arts history to apply such music — really upbeat, driving metal music. You couldn’t sit still when you heard the music. And it matched the action so well."
Other than Mortal Kombat, the actor is known for his work in License to Kill, Rising Sun, Snow Falling on Cedars, Pearl Harbor, Planet of the Apes, Elektra, Memoirs of a Geisha, and 47 Ronin. Many of these parts utilized the actor's facility with martial arts. He also appeared in the cult classic: Carpenter's Big Trouble in Little China. However, it was The Last Emperor that really pushed his career. The actor worked in the industry for over four decades and is survived by three children, Calen, Brynne, and Cana; and his two grandchildren, River and Thea Clayton.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa's family and loved ones.
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