shot-button
E-paper E-paper
Home > Entertainment News > Hollywood News > Article > Mortal Kombat actor Cary Hiroyuki Tagawa passes away at 75

Mortal Kombat actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa passes away at 75

Updated on: 06 December,2025 01:20 PM IST  |  Los Angeles
ANI |

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa's first acting role came with Bernardo Bertolucci's The Last Emperor, following which he was seen as villain Kwang in the James Bond film Licence to Kill

Mortal Kombat actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa passes away at 75

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa. Pic/AFP

Listen to this article
Mortal Kombat actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa passes away at 75
x
00:00

Actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, best known for his roles in films like Mortal Kombat, The Last Emperor, Memoirs of a Geisha, and The Man in the High Castle, passed away at 75.

According to Variety, Tagawa, who famously portrayed the character of evil sorcerer Shang Tsung in the Mortal Kombat franchise, died of complications from a stroke on Thursday in Santa Barbara.


The actor's manager, Margie Weiner, in a statement, expressed grief, recalling working with Tagawa over the past several years.



"I had the privilege of representing Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa for many years as his long-time manager, but our relationship grew into something far deeper -- he became like family. Cary was a rare soul: generous, thoughtful, and endlessly committed to his craft. His loss is immeasurable. My heart is with his family, friends, and all who loved him," he said, as quoted by Variety.

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa's first acting role came with Bernardo Bertolucci's The Last Emperor, following which he was seen as villain Kwang in the James Bond film, Licence to Kill.

Tagawa is known among the broader audience for his performance as the evil sorcerer in the film, TV, and video game iterations of the Mortal Kombat franchise. He first appeared in the film adaptation in 1995 and then in the TV series, Mortal Kombat: Legacy, in 2013.

Tagawa lent his voice to the more recent Mortal Kombat 11 video game.

His other film roles are Rising Sun, Snow Falling on Cedars, Pearl Harbor and Planet of the Apes.

On the other hand, Tagawa, on TV, had a recurring role on Nash Bridges and guest spots on shows like Miami Vice, Knots Landing, Moonlighting, and Baywatch.

Tagawa lived on the island of Kauai, where he and his wife, Sally, raised their two children. He is survived by three children, Calen, Brynne, and Cana.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Did you find this article helpful?

Yes
No

Help us improve further by providing more detailed feedback and stand a chance to win a 3-month e-paper subscription! Click Here

Note: Winners will be selected via a lucky draw.

Help us improve further by providing more detailed feedback and stand a chance to win a 3-month e-paper subscription! Click Here

Note: Winners will be selected via a lucky draw.

hollywood news Hollywood News Updates Entertainment News Entertainment News Update Entertainment

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK