Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, renowned for his role as Shang Tsung in the original Mortal Kombat movie, has died at the age of 75. His family confirmed that he passed away on December 4, 2023, due to complications from a stroke. Tagawa’s impressive career spanned nearly four decades, leaving a significant mark on the film and gaming industries.
Tagawa’s entry into acting began with a small role in Big Trouble in Little China in 1986. His performance as Chang in The Last Emperor in 1987 propelled him into the spotlight. Over the years, he appeared in a variety of films, including Licence to Kill, Snow Falling on Cedars, Memoirs of a Geisha, and Pearl Harbour. His versatility was evident in projects such as Kubo and the Two Strings and 47 Ronin, as well as the 2001 reboot of Planet of the Apes.
Despite his extensive filmography, Tagawa is perhaps best known to video game enthusiasts for his portrayal of the sorcerer Shang Tsung in Mortal Kombat. His iconic performance has left an indelible impression on fans, leading to his reprisal of the character in the web series Mortal Kombat: Legacy. Tagawa also lent his voice and likeness to Shang Tsung in the latest iterations of the franchise, including Mortal Kombat 11 and Mortal Kombat: Onslaught.
Tributes have poured in from colleagues and fans alike. Ed Boon, co-creator of Mortal Kombat, honored Tagawa on social media, describing him as “an amazing voice actor” who infused his roles with “danger, swagger and athleticism.” Boon emphasized that Tagawa will always be remembered as the man who first brought Shang Tsung to life on screen.
In addition to his work in Mortal Kombat, Tagawa portrayed another video game villain, Heihachi Mishima, in two Tekken films. Although these movies did not achieve the same level of success as Mortal Kombat, they showcased Tagawa’s ability to embody complex characters.
One of his last leading roles was as Trade Minister Nobusuke Tagomi in the critically acclaimed series The Man in the High Castle, available on Prime Video. Recently, he lent his talents to the Netflix anime series Blue Eye Samurai, where he played Master Eiji.
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa leaves behind a legacy marked by memorable performances and a passion for his craft. His contributions to cinema and gaming will continue to resonate with fans and colleagues for years to come.
