Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, a talented actor born in Tokyo renowned for his 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, who succumbed to complications from a stroke, was surrounded by his loved ones in Santa Barbara, California, as confirmed by his manager, Margie Weiner. She described him as a remarkable individual, dedicated to his craft and deeply cherished by many.
Tagawa’s career flourished after his appearance in Bernardo Bertolucci’s acclaimed film “The Last Emperor” in 1987. His acting journey included roles in notable movies 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 in Hawaii. He revealed in a 2004 interview with Honolulu Magazine that his parents named him after Cary Grant and his brother after Gregory Peck.
Despite his mother’s advice against pursuing acting due to limited opportunities for Asians, Tagawa ventured into the field at the age of 36 following various jobs like celery farming, limo driving, and photojournalism. Notably, he portrayed the Baron in the film adaptation of “Memoirs of a Geisha,” which depicted a young girl’s journey from poverty in a Japanese fishing village to high society.
Addressing criticisms of authenticity in the film, Tagawa defended the adaptation, highlighting the challenges of accurately representing Japanese culture through an American lens. In a statement to The Associated Press in 2006, he emphasized the interpretive nature of such projects when not led by Japanese creators.
In a separate incident, Tagawa faced legal issues in 2008 when he pleaded guilty to a petty misdemeanor charge of harassing a girlfriend in Honolulu. Despite the controversy, his lawyer stated that Tagawa took full responsibility for his actions without making excuses.
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa’s legacy as a versatile actor, known for his portrayal of complex characters, will be remembered by fans and the entertainment industry alike.
