Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Acclaimed Actor of ‘Mortal Kombat,’ Dies at 75

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, a veteran actor celebrated for his performances in the 1995 film “Mortal Kombat” and the television series “The Man in the High Castle,” has died at the age of 75.

Tagawa passed away in Santa Barbara, California, surrounded by family due to complications from a stroke, his manager, Margie Weiner, confirmed Thursday.

“Cary was a rare soul: generous, thoughtful, and endlessly committed to his craft,” Weiner said. “His loss is immeasurable. My heart is with his family, friends, and all who loved him.”

A Late-Blooming Star

Born in Tokyo in 1955, Tagawa spent much of his early life in the U.S. South, following his father, a Hawaii-born Army officer, to various mainland bases. He later lived in Honolulu and on the island of Kauai. His parents named him after the Hollywood actor Cary Grant, and his brother after Gregory Peck. His mother, Ayako, a former stage actress in Japan, initially discouraged him from acting due to the scarcity of substantial roles for Asian performers.

Despite this, Tagawa entered the entertainment industry relatively late. Before pursuing acting, he worked a variety of jobs, including celery farming, limousine driving, pizza supply delivery, and photojournalism. His professional acting career gained momentum at age 36 with a role in Bernardo Bertolucci’s Oscar-winning film “The Last Emperor” (1987), which helped establish him in Hollywood.

Diverse Roles Across Film and Television

Over the following decades, Tagawa appeared in a wide range of productions, including “Pearl Harbor” (2001), “Planet of the Apes” (2001), and the James Bond film “License to Kill” (1989). He gained recognition for playing the villainous Shang Tsung in “Mortal Kombat” and later appeared in the 2005 film “Memoirs of a Geisha,” portraying the Baron. While some critics questioned the film’s cultural authenticity, Tagawa emphasized that the story was an American interpretation of Japanese society.

In addition to acting, Tagawa studied martial arts but eventually turned to teaching and training. He developed a system he called Ninjah Sportz, blending martial arts techniques with fitness and therapeutic applications. He trained professional athletes, including World Boxing Council light flyweight champion Brian Viloria, and advised the University of Hawaii football team.

Reflections on Representation

Tagawa was a vocal observer of the evolving opportunities for Asian actors in Hollywood. In a 2005 interview with Honolulu Magazine, he acknowledged progress but noted that roles remained limited. “The good news for Asian actors and Hollywood is that it’s better than it’s ever been, but the bad news is that it hasn’t changed that much,” he said.

Later Life and Legacy

While Tagawa’s career spanned decades, he faced personal challenges, including a 2008 misdemeanor case in Honolulu. His attorney stated that Tagawa took full responsibility for the incident.

Despite such difficulties, Tagawa left a lasting impact on film and television, bridging cultures and challenging typecasting in Hollywood. His performances were often marked by a commanding presence and a dedication to authenticity, particularly in roles that engaged with Japanese culture and martial arts.

Tagawa’s career exemplified a late-blooming yet enduring journey in the entertainment industry, inspiring both audiences and aspiring actors with diverse backgrounds. He is survived by his family.