Mortal Kombat’s Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa Has Passed Away

Insider Gaming
Fri, 05 Dec 2025 02:20:44 +0000

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, known for his role as Shang Tsung in the Mortal Kombat film series, has passed away at 75 due to complications from a stroke. He was a prominent figure in cinema, with notable roles in films and series like The Man in the High Castle and Memories of a Geisha. Tagawa also reprised his role in Mortal Kombat 11 and had credits in other video games, including Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu.

2025-12-05 | IGN: 'Rest in Peace. Your Soul Is Eternal' — Tributes for Mortal Kombat Actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Who Has Died Aged 75

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, known for his role as Shang Tsung in the original Mortal Kombat movie and in Mortal Kombat 11, has passed away at age 75 due to complications from a stroke. His portrayal of Shang Tsung became iconic, particularly his memorable line, "Your soul is mine!" Tributes from industry figures, including Ed Boon of NetherRealm, highlighted his impact on the franchise and his legacy in film and voice acting.

2025-12-05 | Time Extension: Mortal Kombat, Tekken, & The Man in the High Castle Actor Cary Hiroyuki Tagawa Has Passed Away

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, known for his role as Shang Tsung in the Mortal Kombat franchise, has passed away at 75 due to complications from a stroke. His career included notable roles in films like The Last Emperor and Pearl Harbor, but he is most remembered for his portrayal of Shang Tsung in the 1995 Mortal Kombat film and various video game adaptations. Mortal Kombat co-creator Ed Boon paid tribute, highlighting Tagawa's unique presence in the role.

2025-12-05 | GameSpot: Mortal Kombat Movie And Game Star Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa Has Died

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, known for his role as Shang Tsung in the original Mortal Kombat movie, has died at 75 due to complications from a stroke on December 4. He reprised his role in Mortal Kombat: Legacy and voiced Shang Tsung in Mortal Kombat 11. Ed Boon, co-creator of Mortal Kombat, honored Tagawa's contributions to the franchise. Tagawa also portrayed Heihachi Mishima in two Tekken films and had notable roles in various other films and series.

2025-12-05 | Game Informer: Mortal Kombat Actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa Passes Away At 75

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, known for his role as Shang Tsung in the 1995 Mortal Kombat film, passed away at 75 due to complications from a stroke. His career spanned over four decades, with notable appearances in various films and TV series. Tagawa reprised his role in adaptations like Mortal Kombat: Legacy and voiced Shang Tsung in Mortal Kombat 11. He also portrayed Heihachi Mishima in the Tekken films and had voice roles in other video games.

2025-12-05 | PC Gamer: Actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, known for his iconic depiction of Mortal Kombat villain Shang Tsung, has died

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, renowned for his role as Shang Tsung in the 1995 Mortal Kombat film, has passed away at 75 due to complications from a stroke. His career spanned over 140 films and TV shows, including roles in Babylon 5 and The Man in the High Castle. Tagawa also portrayed Heihachi Mishima in the Tekken film and had a 25-year presence in video games, featuring in titles like Mortal Kombat 11 and World of Warcraft: Legion. He is survived by three children and two grandchildren.