Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, the legendary actor best known for bringing the villain Shang Tsung to life in the 1995 film Mortal Kombat, passed away on December 4, 2025, leaving fans around the world grieving the loss of one of Hollywood’s most recognizable action and martial-arts screen figures. As tributes continue to pour in, many have also been searching for details about his career earnings and how much he was worth at the time of his death.
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa’s Net Worth in 2025
Most public financial estimations place Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa’s net worth at around USD 20 million in 2025. This figure reflects his multi-decade career across Hollywood films, international cinema, television, voice acting, and production roles.
His earnings came from a long list of major projects. Tagawa appeared in films such as The Last Emperor, Licence to Kill, Rising Sun, Pearl Harbor, Planet of the Apes, and Memoirs of a Geisha. His standout performance as Shang Tsung not only became a pop-culture milestone but continued to generate residual income thanks to the cult following of the franchise and later adaptations in games and digital media.
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa’s Death: What Happened?
The actor’s death was confirmed early today. Tagawa passed away at the age of 75 at his home in Santa Barbara, California. According to reports, he died due to complications from a stroke, and his family was by his side during his final moments.
News of his passing has led to widespread reactions from fellow actors, filmmakers, and fans. Many highlighted his unique screen presence—an ability to play powerful, intimidating villains while bringing depth and charisma to every role. His portrayal of Shang Tsung remains one of the most iconic villain performances in video-game-adaptation history.
