'Mortal Kombat' star Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa dies at 75
Japanese-American Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, known for playing Asian antagonists in Hollywood movies, has died at the age of 75.
He died due to complications from a stroke at his Santa Barbara home in California on Thursday morning, Dec. 4, his representative Penny Vizcarra confirmed to PEOPLE Magazine.
Tagawa is most recognizable for playing evil sorcerer Shang Tsung in the 1995 Mortal Kombat movie, followed by various portrayals across film, TV shows, and video games. He also starred as evil businessman Heihachi Mishima in the 2009 live adaptation of the hit video game series Tekken and has voiced multiple roles in the gaming industry.
Tagawa moved from Japan to the US at a young age. His martial arts proficiency, particularly Japanese Karate and his very own Chun-Shin, has landed him roles that banked on Asian representation.
His breakout success started in a minor role in The Last Emperor by Bernardo Bertolucci in 1987, which bagged Best Picture among nine Oscar wins.
He is survived by his wife Sally, his three children, and two grandchildren.
