Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, 'Mortal Kombat' Actor, Dies at 75

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, the acclaimed actor recognized for his roles in 'Mortal Kombat' and 'The Last Emperor,' has passed away at 75 from stroke complications.

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Overview

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1.

Actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, widely recognized for his impactful roles in films like "Mortal Kombat" and "The Last Emperor," passed away at the age of 75.

2.

Tagawa's death occurred in Santa Barbara, where he succumbed to complications arising from a stroke, with his manager confirming the news.

3.

His acting career began at age 36, taking off significantly in 1987 with his appearance in Bernardo Bertolucci’s Oscar-winning film “The Last Emperor.”

4.

Throughout his career, Tagawa amassed a diverse filmography, including notable performances in "Pearl Harbor," "Planet of the Apes," and "Memoirs of a Geisha."

5.

Before acting, Tagawa was raised mostly in the U.S. South and studied traditional Japanese karate at the University of Southern California.

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Analysis

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Center-leaning sources cover the story neutrally, presenting a factual and balanced obituary of Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa. They focus on reporting key life events, career milestones, and personal details without employing loaded language or selective emphasis. The coverage includes both positive aspects and a past legal issue, ensuring a comprehensive and objective portrayal.

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Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa was best known for his roles as Shang Tsung in 'Mortal Kombat' (1995), Eunuch Chang in 'The Last Emperor' (1987), and Nobusuke Tagomi in 'The Man in the High Castle' TV series. He also appeared in 'Pearl Harbor,' 'Planet of the Apes,' 'Memoirs of a Geisha,' and 'Showdown in Little Tokyo.'

Tagawa began his acting career at age 36, with his breakthrough role as Eunuch Chang in Bernardo Bertolucci's 'The Last Emperor' in 1987. Prior to acting, he worked as a celery farmer, limo driver, pizza supply truck driver, and photojournalist.

Tagawa was born in Tokyo, Japan, and raised in various U.S. cities due to his father's position in the U.S. Army. He studied traditional Japanese karate at the University of Southern California and worked in several jobs before pursuing acting.

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa died at the age of 75 from complications due to a stroke, as confirmed by his manager.

Tagawa converted to Eastern Orthodoxy in 2015 and acquired Russian citizenship in 2016. In 2008, he pleaded guilty to a petty misdemeanor charge of harassing a girlfriend in Honolulu.

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