Mortal Kombat Star Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa Dies At 75, Fans Pay Tribute
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, the celebrated actor known for his iconic role as Shang Tsung in Mortal Kombat, has died at the age of 75. TMZ reports that he passed away on Thursday, December 4, 2025, following complications from a stroke.
Tagawa reportedly spent his final moments surrounded by his family and children.
Born on September 27, 1950, in Tokyo, Japan, Tagawa moved to the United States as a child and grew up in Southern California. His father, a Japanese-American, served in the US Army, while his mother was a Takarazuka actress. He discovered his passion for acting in high school and later studied at the University of Southern California.
Tagawa first gained international acclaim with his role as Eunuch Chang in Bernardo Bertolucci’s The Last Emperor (1987), which won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture. He became a household name with his portrayal of Shang Tsung in the 1995 Mortal Kombat film, a role that remains a fan favorite.
He is survived by his three children with ex-wife Sally Phillips, whom he married in 1984 and divorced in 2014.
Tributes have poured in from fans and prominent figures, including Ed Boon, Margie Weiner, and Penny Vizcarra, who remembered Tagawa for his talent, legacy, and lasting impact on film and gaming culture.
