Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, a respected actor hailing from Tokyo known for his memorable performances in the movie “Mortal Kombat” and the TV series “The Man in the High Castle,” has passed away at the age of 75. Tagawa succumbed to complications arising from a stroke while surrounded by his family in Santa Barbara, California. Margie Weiner, his manager, confirmed this sad news, expressing heartfelt sentiments about his character and dedication to his craft.
Tagawa’s career took flight in 1987 with a role in Bernardo Bertolucci’s acclaimed film “The Last Emperor,” leading to appearances in notable productions such as “Pearl Harbor,” “Planet of the Apes,” and “Licence to Kill.” Raised primarily in the southern United States due to his father’s military assignments, Tagawa spent time in Honolulu and Kauai, drawing inspiration from his parents’ Hollywood connections, with him being named after Cary Grant.
Despite his mother’s reservations about pursuing acting due to limited opportunities for Asians, Tagawa transitioned to acting at 36 after various other jobs. He found success in portraying antagonistic characters on screen, including the Baron in “Memoirs of a Geisha.” Criticisms of the film’s authenticity were met with Tagawa’s defense, citing the inherent interpretation in works not directly from the culture being depicted.
In a personal setback, Tagawa faced legal troubles in 2008, pleading guilty to a charge of harassing a former girlfriend in Honolulu. Taking responsibility for his actions, he expressed remorse and accepted the consequences without justification. Tagawa’s legacy remains tied to his diverse and impactful contributions to film and television, leaving a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.