Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa was beloved to fans of the Mortal Kombat franchise. The Tokyo-born actor was also popular in “The Man in the High Castle” series.
So news that Tagawa has died at the age of 75 saddened fans, who wondered about his cause of death. How did Tagawa die?
According to CNN, the actor’s manager confirmed that he died “from complications due to a stroke.” Tagawa died in Santa Barbara, CA, on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
“Cary was a rare soul: generous, thoughtful, and endlessly committed to his craft,” Margie Weiner said in an email to CNN. “His loss is immeasurable. My heart is with his family, friends, and all who loved him.” He also had controversies during his lifetime; according to CNN, in 2008, “Tagawa pleaded guilty in a Honolulu court to a petty misdemeanor charge of harassing a girlfriend.”
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa’s Films Ranged From ‘Pearl Harbor’ to ‘Planet of the Apes’
(Photo by Vincent Sandoval/WireImage)
According to USA Today, Tagawa played Shang Tsung in Mortal Kombat projects, including the movie, television shows, and video games.
His filmography includes roles in such major movies as Pearl Harbor, Planet of the Apes, and Elektra, according to USA Today.
He moved to the U.S. when he was young, but later perfected martial arts, the publication noted.
The Co-Creator of ‘Mortal Kombat’ Paid Tribute to Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa
We lost a legend today. Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa @CHTOfficial played Shang Tsung in the 1995 Mortal Kombat film and sadly passed away at age 75. We had the privilege of his portrayal on the first MK film but also as an amazing voice actor in the Mortal Kombat 11 game.
Cary was one… pic.twitter.com/iAnTc0odGH
— Ed Boon (@noobde) December 5, 2025
Ed Boon, who helped create Mortal Kombat, paid tribute to the actor on X.
“We lost a legend today. Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa @CHTOfficial played Shang Tsung in the 1995 Mortal Kombat film and sadly passed away at age 75. We had the privilege of his portrayal on the first MK film but also as an amazing voice actor in the Mortal Kombat 11 game,” he wrote.
“Cary was one of a kind. He combined danger, swagger and athleticism to his roles and will always be remembered as the man who first brought Shang Tsung to life on film. Rest in Peace. Your soul is eternal,” Boon added.
Mortal Kombat fans joined in the tributes. “When I heard that Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa died today I instantly thought of this picture and I hope him and Trevor Goddard are now kicking it together in a better place!” wrote one.
“The news of Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa passing away is hitting us MK fans hard! Not only was his performance as Shang Tsung iconic but by all accounts he was the warmest and nicest person you could ever hope to meet and he’ll live on forever through his legacy!” the fan wrote.
A huge reason why Mortal Kombat is such a good adaptation & the first great video game movie. He took the role seriously & embodied the character. As a kid & die hard MK fan it felt like Shang Tsung had come to life.
Rest In Peace, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa. Your soul is eternal. https://t.co/lY9RDh4eE3 pic.twitter.com/k08HY7jmYP
— Melee Games (@MeleeGames) December 5, 2025
Melee Games also wrote a tribute to Tagawa on X. “A huge reason why Mortal Kombat is such a good adaptation & the first great video game movie. He took the role seriously & embodied the character. As a kid & die hard MK fan it felt like Shang Tsung had come to life,” the site wrote. “Rest In Peace, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa. Your soul is eternal.
