Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa Harassed His Ex-GF? 'Mortal Kombat' Actor Was Charged With Domestic Abuse

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa died on Thursday, December 4, 2025, in Santa Barbara, California. The beloved actor passed away at the age of 75 due to a sudden health emergency. For the unversed, Tagawa was a prolific Japanese-American actor, producer, and martial artist known for his many iconic roles, particularly his portrayal of the villainous sorcerer 'Shang Tsung' in the Mortal Kombat franchise. With his sudden death, his life and career are being revisited by the fans. As interest in his past grows, a scandal involving his ex-girlfriend has resurfaced.

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa was accused of harassing his ex-girlfriend

Actor, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa once faced intense online scrutiny after being accused of harassing his ex-girlfriend when he was around 58-59 years old. Tagawa pleaded guilty in 2008 to a petty misdemeanor charge of harassing the woman, whose identity hasn't been revealed by the media due to privacy concerns. Tagawa was initially arrested in November 2007 on a misdemeanor domestic abuse charge after police responded to an emergency services call at his home and found a woman in her 50s with visible injuries, including bruises on her legs. Under a plea deal with prosecutors, Tagawa pleaded guilty to the lesser harassment charge and received a revised sentence.

According to his reduced punishment, Tagawa was ordered one year of probation and a USD 1,000 fine, which he had to donate to Ala Kuola, a group that provides legal services to domestic violence victims. Additionally, the actor was ordered to attend a domestic violence intervention program and write a letter of apology to the victim, his unnamed ex-girlfriend. Tagawa's attorney stated that the Mortal Kombat star had taken full responsibility for his actions from the beginning and made no excuses for the incident. The court considered that and ruled that if Tagawa stayed out of trouble for a year, the charge would be wiped from his record.

Did Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa treat his next partner better?

According to reports, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa had changed since the legal trouble involving his ex-girlfriend. His marriage and divorce from his ex-wife, Sally Phillips, were amicable. Tagawa and Sally Phillips were married in 1984 and divorced in 2014, marking a union of approximately thirty years. They lived on the island of Kauai, where they raised their three children, Calen, Brynne, and Cana. Sally chose a private life and always prioritised family over the spotlight, providing stability to Tagawa's glamorous life and demanding career. Even after their separation, they maintained mutual respect, with Tagawa often crediting Sally for his grounded fatherhood. The ex-spouses frequently attended premieres and events together during their marriage.

How did Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa die? What was the cause?

Actor, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa died at the age of 75 due to sudden health trouble. He faced complications from a stroke and succumbed to it. Tagawa passed away in Santa Barbara, California, and his publicist shared that the actor was surrounded by his children at the time of his death. His death left his kids heartbroken. His manager, Margie Weiner, described him as a "rare soul, generous, thoughtful, and endlessly committed to his craft," adding that his loss is immeasurable.

About Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa's decades-long career

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa was a prolific Japanese-American actor and martial artist, widely recognized for his iconic role as the villainous sorcerer, 'Shang Tsung' in the Mortal Kombat franchise and as 'Trade Minister, Nobusuke Tagomi' in the Emmy-winning series, The Man in the High Castle. His career spanned four decades, including dozens of film, television, and video game credits. Tagawa's breakthrough came with a minor role in the Oscar-winning movie, The Last Emperor. His most iconic role was as the villain, 'Shang Tsung', in the 1995 film adaptation of Mortal Kombat.

What are your thoughts on Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa being proven guilty of domestic abuse? Let us know.

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