Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Acclaimed Actor of *Mortal Kombat*, James Bond and *Pearl Harbor*, Dies at 75

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A Hollywood actor known for his numerous roles in films such as James Bond and Pearl Harbor has sadly died.

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, a well-known figure in Hollywood, passed away at the age of 75.

The Tokyo-born performer died in Santa Barbara, surrounded by his family, after suffering a stroke, his manager Margie Weiner confirmed on Thursday.

In a statement, his family said: “Cary was a rare soul — generous, thoughtful, and endlessly dedicated to his craft.

“His loss is immeasurable. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and everyone who loved him.”

Tagawa’s long career in film and television began to truly flourish in 1987 with his appearance in Bernardo Bertolucci’s Oscar-winning film The Last Emperor.

From there, he went on to feature in movies such as Pearl Harbor and the James Bond installment Licence to Kill.

The role that brought him the most recognition was Shang Tsung in the Mortal Kombat movie.

Casting directors reportedly took notice after Tagawa arrived at the audition fully in costume and even stood on a chair to deliver his lines.

Tagawa spent much of his upbringing in the United States, as his Hawaii-born father was stationed at various Army bases on the mainland.

He lived for periods in Honolulu and on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.

He eventually entered the acting world at age 36, having previously worked as a celery farmer, limousine driver, pizza supply truck driver, and photojournalist, according to past interviews.

Tagawa portrayed Heihachi Mishima in Tekken, the film based on the popular video game franchise.

In 2006, he provided the voice of Brushogun in Teen Titans: Trouble in Tokyo.

In 2008, Tagawa pleaded guilty in a Honolulu courtroom to a petty misdemeanor charge of harassing a girlfriend.

Police at the time reported she had bruising on her legs.

His attorney stated that he had accepted full responsibility from the outset and offered no excuses.

Tagawa married his wife Sally in 1984.

The pair had three children together: a son named Calen and two daughters, Byrnne and Cana.

This article originally appeared in The Sun U.S. and has been republished here with permission.