Cary Hiroyuki Tagawa, the Japanese American actor whose long career spanned film, television and video games, has died at age 75. He passed away on December 4, 2025, at his home in Santa Barbara, California, surrounded by family, after complications from a stroke. His manager described him as generous, thoughtful and endlessly committed to his craft, adding that his loss is immeasurable and that his heart is with Tagawa’s family and loved ones.

Born in Tokyo in 1950 and raised partly in the United States, Tagawa entered Hollywood later than many of his peers but quickly built a reputation as a striking screen presence. His breakout came with a role in the Academy Award winning film The Last Emperor, which led to appearances in major studio productions including Licence to Kill, Rising Sun, Pearl Harbor, Planet of the Apes and Memoirs of a Geisha. On television he appeared in MacGyver, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Nash Bridges and many other network and cable series. One of his most acclaimed performances came as Trade Minister Nobusuke Tagomi on the series The Man in the High Castle.

For many fans, Tagawa’s defining role was the sorcerer Shang Tsung in the Mortal Kombat franchise. He first appeared as the character in the 1995 film adaptation and later returned to the role in the digital series Mortal Kombat: Legacy and again in the video game Mortal Kombat 11. His portrayal, a mix of theatrical menace and cold control, shaped how the character has been interpreted ever since.

Outside performing, Tagawa developed his own martial arts program and coached professional athletes. He also embraced a personal spiritual path later in life, converting to Eastern Orthodoxy in 2015 and gaining Russian citizenship the following year. He is survived by his wife Sally, their three children and two grandchildren.

Tagawa leaves behind a legacy defined by versatility, presence and cultural impact. His career opened doors for Asian actors on screen, and his most iconic roles reached generations of fans who continue to celebrate his work. His passing marks the loss of a performer whose range and influence stretched from Hollywood dramas to global gaming culture.