Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Iconic Shang Tsung Actor, Passes Away at 75

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, known to fighting game fans worldwide as the definitive face of Shang Tsung in the live-action Mortal Kombat universe, has sadly passed away at the age of 75.

Tagawa, whose career spanned film, television, and video games, died from complications related to a stroke. His filmography includes acclaimed works such as Memoirs of a Geisha, The Last Emperor, and The Man in the High Castle, but to the FGC, he will forever be remembered for bringing one of gaming’s most iconic villains to life.

Tagawa first portrayed the soul-stealing sorcerer in the 1995 Mortal Kombat movie, delivering a performance so memorable that it shaped the character for generations. He returned in Mortal Kombat: Annihilation, the 2013 series Mortal Kombat: Legacy, and Mortal Kombat X: Generations episode in 2015. His relationship with the franchise continued into modern gaming as well, he voiced Shang Tsung in Mortal Kombat 11 (2019) and lent his likeness to Mortal Kombat: Onslaught (2023).

His legendary line, “Your soul is mine,” became a pillar of MK culture, though in its first incarnation, he delivered it as: “Your brother’s soul is mine.” From that moment on, Tagawa solidified himself as the character’s definitive embodiment.

Mortal Kombat co-creator Ed Boon paid tribute on social media, writing:

“We lost a legend today. Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa played Shang Tsung in the 1995 Mortal Kombat film and sadly passed away at age 75.

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.”

The FGC and countless fans across the world have shared tributes, remembering Tagawa as a consummate professional, a charismatic performer, and a man whose portrayal defined a generation of fighting game fans. 

May he rest in peace.