Fans of 1980s action and martial arts cinema are mourning the loss of Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, the beloved actor whose captivating screen presence made him a standout villain and character actor for more than three decades.
Tagawa, a Tokyo-born star best known for his roles in “Mortal Kombat” and the acclaimed TV series “The Man in the High Castle,” has died at the age of 75.
His manager, Margie Weiner, confirmed that he passed away at his home in Santa Barbara, surrounded by family, following complications from a stroke.
Tagawa’s Hollywood journey took off in 1987 with his appearance in Bernardo Bertolucci’s Oscar-winning epic “The Last Emperor.”
From there, his career flourished, earning him roles in major productions including “Pearl Harbor,” “Licence to Kill,” “Planet of the Apes,” and numerous others.
His performance in the action film “Bridge of Dragons” further cemented his reputation as a versatile on-screen force.
Across the globe, actors, filmmakers, and fans are sharing heartfelt tributes to honor the fallen icon whose work left a lasting impact on action cinema and representation of Asian actors in Hollywood.
Tagawa’s legacy lives on through his unforgettable performances and the generations of movie lovers he inspired.
By Andrew shyaka
