Mortal Kombat actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa has died aged 75, a statement on his official Instagram account has confirmed.
The Tokyo-born actor, known for his role in the film adaption of the fighting video games, and in the TV series The Man In The High Castle, passed away surrounded by family following complications due to a stroke, with the statement describing him as "one of the most wonderful people".
The statement read: "It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to one of the most wonderful people we could ever work for. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family from a stroke unfortunately.
"He had been suffering from a previous stroke before this one.
"Thanks to you, the wonderful fans, his soul will live on forever through your memories of him and support. Please bear with us as his family requests privacy will they go through this difficult mourning period. Rest in peace king Cary, we all love you for eternity."
The actor played evil sorcerer Shang Tsung in Mortal Kombat. He first stepped into the role in 1995, and has appeared in various works of the franchise since.
His career started with his breakout role in Bernardo Bertolucci's Oscar-winning film, The Last Emperor, in 1987.
Other notable appearances include in the 1989 James Bond film, Licence To Kill, as an undercover agent of the Hong Kong Narcotics Board.
The actor and producer is also known for his role in 1991 films Showdown in Little Tokyo and The Perfect Weapon.
Tagawa has also played Heihachi Mishima in the action thriller Tekken, a film adaptation of the video game franchise of the same name.
He had a major role in Rising Sun, a 1993 adaptation of the Michael Crichton novel, starring Sean Connery and Wesley Snipes.
The actor also appeared in filmmaker Tim Burton’s Planet Of The Apes in 2001.
Tagawa is also known for his role as one of the lead characters in Amazon’s 2015 TV series: The Man in the High Castle.
His most recent role was as Michael Morel in Sky Sharks, a German science fiction comedy horror film.
He leaves behind his three children, Brynne, Cana and Calen Tagawa.
Source: Press Association
