Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa is a Japanese-American actor known for his roles in numerous Hollywood films and television series. He is recognized for his portrayals of antagonists and martial artists, notably in “Mortal Kombat” and “The Last Emperor.” His career spans several decades, establishing him as a significant figure in both American and international cinema.
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa’s career began with roles in films such as “The Last Emperor” (1987), where he played Chang. He gained fame for his role as Shang Tsung in the 1995 film adaptation of “Mortal Kombat.” His other notable film credits include “Rising Sun” (1993), “The Phantom” (1996), and “Planet of the Apes” (2001). In television, Tagawa appeared in series such as “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” “Baywatch,” and “Hawaii Five-0.” He voiced characters in video games like “Call of Duty: World at War” and reprised his role as Shang Tsung in the “Mortal Kombat 11” video game. His contributions include bringing authenticity and depth to his roles, influencing the portrayal of Asian characters in Western media.
Tagawa’s collaborations with industry professionals have been impactful. He worked with director Steven Spielberg on “Memoirs of a Geisha” (2005). In “The Last Emperor,” he collaborated with director Bernardo Bertolucci. His work with Sean Connery and Wesley Snipes in “Rising Sun” highlighted his versatility in action films. Tagawa’s collaboration with Tim Burton in “Planet of the Apes” demonstrated his range in the science fiction genre. He worked with James Cameron in the “Avatar: The Last Airbender” television series. He also partnered with the creators of “Mortal Kombat,” leaving a lasting legacy in both film and video games. He appeared alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in “The Last Stand” (2013). His role in “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale” (2009) saw him working with Richard Gere. In “The Man in the High Castle,” he collaborated with producers Ridley Scott and Frank Spotnitz.