The iconic actor, widely known for his role as Shang Tsung in Mortal Kombat, passed away from complications following a stroke.
Actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, known for his role as Shang Tsung in the Mortal Kombat series, has died at the age of 75. According to Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter, he passed away on December 4 in Santa Barbara from complications following a stroke. His loved ones were by his side in his final hours.
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa was born in Tokyo to a military family. He spent his childhood in various parts of the United States, later settling in Los Angeles, where he taught martial arts. In 2015, Tagawa converted to Orthodox Christianity, and a year later, he received Russian citizenship.
He gained worldwide fame for his role as the villain Shang Tsung in the film "Mortal Kombat" (1995). Later, the actor returned to this role on several occasions — in the series "Mortal Kombat: Legacy", the short film "Mortal Kombat: Rebirth", and the game Mortal Kombat 11, where he once again lent his voice and appearance to the character.
The role of Shang Tsung was not Tagawa's only significant work. Over his career, he starred in dozens of films, including "Licence to Kill" (1989), "Planet of the Apes" (2001), "Memoirs of a Geisha" (2005), and the Tekken adaptation (2009).
