Legendary Japanese-American actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa — best known to global audiences as the villainous sorcerer Shang Tsung from the Mortal Kombat film franchise — has passed away at age 75. He died on December 4, 2025, at his home in Santa Barbara, California, after suffering complications from a stroke.

Tagawa’s career in film and television spanned nearly four decades, beginning with a role in the 1987 period drama The Last Emperor. Over the years, he built a reputation for portraying complex antagonists in major Hollywood productions, including roles in films such as Licence to Kill, Pearl Harbor, Memoirs of a Geisha, and Planet of the Apes. His television credits included appearances on acclaimed series like The Man in the High Castle.

Tagawa’s enduring legacy lies in his portrayals of iconic villains — roles that showcased his commanding presence, martial-arts skill, and ability to bring depth and gravitas to antagonistic characters. His work broadened the on-screen representation of Asian actors within mainstream cinema, leaving a lasting impact on both genre film and Hollywood diversity.

The entertainment world, along with fans across the globe, have reacted with tributes, honoring Tagawa’s contributions and remembering him as a unique talent whose characters remain embedded in popular culture.

Sources: CNN, Los Angeles Times, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, People Magazine