The film world is mourning the loss of a cinematic icon, as actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa passed away on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at the age of 75. The veteran performer, celebrated for his commanding screen presence and memorable villainous roles, died in Santa Barbara, California, due to complications following a stroke, his family confirmed in a statement released earlier today.
Tagawa’s legacy is perhaps best defined by his unforgettable role as the evil sorcerer Shang Tsung in the 1995 film adaptation of Mortal Kombat. His delivery of the iconic line, “Your soul is mine!”, cemented him as a favorite among gamers and martial arts film fans. He enthusiastically reprised the character across the video game franchise decades later, ensuring his character’s endurance for a new generation.
Beyond his infamous video game villain, Tagawa’s four-decade career spanned over 150 film and television credits. He earned critical acclaim for his complex portrayal of the Japanese trade minister Nobusuke Tagomi in the dystopian Amazon Prime series, The Man in the High Castle, showcasing his dramatic range in a central, moving role that spanned four seasons.
The passing of Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa Dies at 75 marks the end of a prolific career. Known for bringing depth and gravity to characters that often explored the cultural intersection between East and West, his distinctive presence and martial arts skill (he was trained in Kendo) leave an indelible mark on Hollywood and the world of fan culture.
