Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Voice of Shang Tsung, Dies at 75

Tributes from across the gaming and entertainment communities poured in for legendary actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa. Mr. Tagawa passed away on December 4 due to complications from a stroke. He was surrounded by his three children, and he leaves behind two grandchildren. The well-renowned actor was 75.

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa was best known as the evil sorcerer Shang Tsung from the Mortal Kombat franchise. He played Shang Tsung multiple times throughout the series and gave his voice and likeness to the sorcerer in 2019’s Mortal Kombat 11.

Mr. Tagawa also voiced in games such as Soldier Boyz, Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu and World of Warcraft: Legion. His movie appearances include Memoirs of a Geisha, Pearl Harbor and Elektra. His final roles include Amazon’s The Man in the High Castle and Netflix’s Blue Eye Samurai. Outside of acting, Tagawa was known as a warm, charismatic mentor who encouraged younger actors and martial artists.

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa’s Life and Legacy

Tagawa was born in Tokyo in 1950 but moved to the United States at an early age. At 21, he attended school at the University of Southern California and studied traditional Japanese karate. Soon after, he moved back to Japan to study martial arts under Master Nakayama with the Japan Karate Association.

His first role was an uncredited role in Big Trouble in Little China. His first major role, however, was The Last Emperor. He also appeared in shows and movies like MacGyver, Star Trek: The Next Generation and Miami Vice. Mr. Tagawa worked with directors like Philip Kaufman, Tim Burton, Michael Bay, Rob Marshall, Ivan Reitman and John Carpenter.

Tributes for Mr. Tagawa

On X (formerly Twitter) Ed Boon of NetherRealm Studios, said, “….Cary was one of a kind. He combined danger, swagger and athleticism to his roles and will always be remembered as the man who first brought Shang Tsung to life on film. Rest in Peace. Your soul is eternal.”

Also on X, fighting game legend Justin Wong said, “RIP to Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa. You will always be my Shang Tsung.”

Mr. Tagawa’s manager Margie Weiner said in a statement, “Cary was a rare soul: generous, thoughtful, and endlessly committed to his craft. His loss is immeasurable. My heart is with his family, friends, and all who loved him.”