Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, 'Mortal Kombat' actor, dies at 75
What's the story
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, the prolific Hollywood actor known for his roles in Mortal Kombat, Memoirs of a Geisha, The Last Emperor, and The Man in the High Castle, has died at the age of 75. His family told Deadline that he died early Thursday morning in Santa Barbara following complications from a stroke. He was surrounded by his children at the time of his death.
Career highlight
Tagawa's iconic role as Shang Tsung in 'Mortal Kombat'
Tagawa is best remembered for his portrayal of the evil sorcerer Shang Tsung in the Mortal Kombat franchise. He first played this character in New Line's 1995 film and reprised it in the 1997 sequel Mortal Kombat: Annihilation. He also made guest appearances as Shang Tsung on the 2013 TV show Mortal Kombat: Legacy and one episode of Mortal Kombat X: Generations in 2015.
Career diversity
Tagawa's diverse filmography and martial arts background
Tagawa's career was marked by a string of interesting parts in big-budget studio pictures that explored the intersection of Western and Asian cultures. These included Rising Sun, License to Kill, Snow Falling on Cedars, Pearl Harbor, Planet of the Apes, Elektra and 47 Ronin. Many of these roles showcased his martial arts skills. He also lent his voice to Soldier Boyz, Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu and World of Warcraft: Legion video games.
Background
Tagawa's personal history and martial arts training
Born in Tokyo, Tagawa began his Kendo training in junior high school. His family later moved to Fort Bragg, North Carolina where he received his first real lessons in martial arts. At 21, he began studying traditional Japanese karate at the University of Southern California, later returning to Japan to train under Master Nakayama with the Japan Karate Association. He developed and taught his own system of Chun-Shin, which he described as "a study of energy."
Last role
Tagawa's final role and personal life
Tagawa's final prominent role was in Amazon Prime Video's The Man in the High Castle, in which he portrayed Nobusuke Tagomi, the Trade Minister of the Pacific States of America. He lived on Kauai, where he and his wife Sally raised their two children. He is survived by three children Brynne, Calen, and Cana; and his two grandchildren, River and Thea Clayton.