Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, a renowned actor born in Tokyo and recognized for his roles in the movie “Mortal Kombat” and the TV series “The Man in the High Castle,” has passed away at the age of 75. Tagawa, surrounded by his family in Santa Barbara, Calif., succumbed to complications arising from a stroke, as confirmed by his manager, Margie Weiner.
Describing Tagawa as a remarkable individual with a profound dedication to his craft, Weiner expressed her heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and admirers. Tagawa’s career took off in 1987 with his appearance in Bernardo Bertolucci’s critically acclaimed film “The Last Emperor,” leading to roles in movies like “Pearl Harbor,” “Planet of the Apes,” and “Licence to Kill.”
Having spent his childhood mostly in the southern United States due to his father’s military assignments, Tagawa lived in Honolulu and Kauai for a period. He revealed in an interview with Honolulu Magazine that his parents named him after Cary Grant and his brother after Gregory Peck, reflecting their admiration for Hollywood icons.
Despite his mother’s reservations about pursuing acting due to limited opportunities for Asians, Tagawa eventually embarked on an acting career at 36 after various jobs, including farming, driving, and photography. Notably, he portrayed the Baron in the film “Memoirs of a Geisha,” a story depicting a young girl’s journey from poverty to high society in Japan.
Addressing criticisms of the film’s authenticity, Tagawa defended the American production’s interpretation of Japanese culture, emphasizing the challenges of accurately capturing cultural nuances in a fictional work. In a separate incident, in 2008, Tagawa pled guilty to a petty misdemeanor charge of harassing a girlfriend in Honolulu, taking full responsibility for his actions.
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances, particularly as a versatile actor often cast in villainous roles. His contributions to the entertainment industry and his unique perspective on cultural representation will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
