SANTA BARBARA, California — Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, an actor who starred in the “Mortal Kombat” films and video games as well as several hit TV shows, died Thursday at age 75 from complications from a stroke.
Deadline reports that Tagawa’s death was confirmed by family members.
“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,” Tagawa’s manager, Margie Weiner, said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. “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 appeared in multiple major films, including “Pearl Harbor,” “Planet of the Apes,” “License to Kill,” “47 Ronin,” “Elektra” and “Memoirs of a Geisha.” He also starred in TV hits such as “Nash Bridges” and “The Man in the High Castle.”
According to his biography on IMDb.com, Tagawa was born in Tokyo on Sept. 27, 1950. His father was a member of the U.S. Army and Tagawa lived in several locations, mainly in the U.S., while growing up.
celebrity.land reports Tagawa became an actor at age 36 after working several jobs, including celery farmer, limo driver, pizza supply truck driver and photojournalist.
His first major role was in the film “The Last Emperor” in 1987. He likely was best-known for portraying Shang Tsung, the villain in the “Mortal Kombat” video games and movies.
“The good news for Asian actors and Hollywood is that it’s better than it’s ever been, but the bad news is that it hasn’t changed that much,” he told Midweek in 2005, according to celebrity.land. “The opportunities haven’t increased that much, but commercially there’s more exposure.”
USA Today reports Tagawa is survived by his wife, Sally, their three children, Calen, Brynne and Cana, and two grandchildren.
Read the original article on cleveland.com.
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