Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, a respected actor born in Tokyo known for his appearances in the movie “Mortal Kombat” and the TV series “The Man in the High Castle,” has passed away at the age of 75. Tagawa died in Santa Barbara, Calif., surrounded by his family after complications arising from a stroke, as confirmed by his manager, Margie Weiner.
Weiner described Tagawa as a unique individual, characterized by his generosity, thoughtfulness, and unwavering dedication to his art. She expressed her heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all those who admired him.
Tagawa’s acting career took a significant turn in 1987 with his role in Bernardo Bertolucci’s acclaimed film “The Last Emperor.” Over the years, he appeared in various notable films like “Pearl Harbor,” “Planet of the Apes,” and “Licence to Kill.”
Having spent his formative years in the U.S. South due to his father’s military assignments, Tagawa had roots in Hawaii, where he lived in Honolulu and Kauai. In a 2004 interview with Honolulu Magazine, he shared that his parents named him after Cary Grant and his brother after Gregory Peck.
Tagawa’s mother, Ayako, a former stage actor in Japan, discouraged him from pursuing acting due to the limited opportunities for Asians in the industry. Despite this, he embarked on an acting career at the age of 36, following various professions like celery farmer, limo driver, and photojournalist. Tagawa gained recognition for portraying the Baron in “Memoirs of a Geisha,” a 2005 film adaptation of a bestselling novel depicting a girl’s journey from poverty to high society in Japan.
Reflecting on criticism of the film for cultural authenticity, Tagawa defended the adaptation, emphasizing the challenges of interpreting Japanese culture accurately in a work led by non-Japanese creators. In 2008, he pleaded guilty to a minor harassment charge in Honolulu, taking full responsibility for the incident.
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances and a diverse career that resonated with audiences worldwide.
