Pat Morita doesn’t need an introduction. He was one of the finest American actors and comedians. He is known for one of the best movies, The Karate Kid, which made him an instant sensation and reel-hero among millions of people across all age groups. In that film, he played the character of Mr. Miyagi actor that took his stardom and career to the next level. The success of the film made it into a franchise and the makers produced many sequels to it. Apart from the Karate Kid film series, he also garnered a lot of love and appreciation as a stand-up comedian. He made headlines for his stellar performance as Ah Chew in one of the popular drama series, Sanford and Son. Also, he received admiration for the role of Arnold Takahashi in yet another famous series, Happy Days.
One can also find his stellar performances in TV programs, including M.A.S.H, Ohara, Mulan, Mr. T, and Tina. He also received the prestigious Golden Globe Award and Primetime Emmy Award nomination for his performance in the TV movie, Amos.
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Personal Life of Pat Morita
Pat Morita was born on June 28, 1932, in California, USA. His real name was Noriyuki ‘Pat’ Morita. He was born to Tamaru and Momoe. He completed his initial studies at Armijo High School. He also had a younger brother whose name was Hideo.
Right from childhood, Noriyuki Morita faced a lot of challenges. At the age of 2, he suffered from spinal tuberculosis which made him crippled for almost 5 years. However, he started learning to walk at the age of 9 and spent almost 9 years in one of the charitable hospitals Shriners in San Francisco.
The hospital discharged him in 1943 and sent him back to his parents. His parents were fruit pickers who migrated from Japan to the USA in 1912 due to World War II. His parents used to stay in an internment camp in the heart of Arizona as the war was still going on.
When it comes to his marriages then it’s a lengthy affair. He married Kathleen Yamachiin 1953 and she was his first wife. However, they both parted ways in 1967. Then, he came into a relationship with Yukiye Kitahara in 1970 and married her. But, after few years, he gave her a divorce and married Evelyn Guerrero in 1994. She was his third wife and stayed with him till his last breath.
Unfortunately, Pat Morita’s death was shocking for the fraternity. He passed away on November 24, 2005, in Las Vegas after battling with kidney problem. He died of kidney failure at the age of 73.
Professional Career
As an actor, his first roles were in the films called Thoroughly Modern Millie and The Shakiest Gun in the West. After that, he bagged a role in the movie, Evil Roy Slade followed by the drama series, Columbo. In 1973, he bagged another potential role in the hit series, M.A.S.H as a captain Sam Pak. After that Pat Morita’s Happy Days was yet another blockbuster hit series.
In 1976, he did yet another major film called Midway along with a few others. Then, he got the opportunity to play the unforgettable role of Mr. Kesuke Miyagi in the blockbuster movie, The Karate Kid, in 1984. The success of the movie changed his career and made him an instant star.
Pat Morita movies and TV shows
After the Karate Kid, he grabbed many amazing movies including Captive Hearts, Alice in Wonderland, Babes in Toyland, Do or Die, Collision Course, Miracle Beach, King Cobra, I Will Remember April, Robot Chicken, Down and Derby, and many more.
His Vital Stats
- Pat Morita height was 1.6m
- His sun sign was Cancer.
- Pat Morita’s age was 73 at the time of death.
- Pat Morita’s spouses were many.
- Pat Morita’s wife during the time of his death was Evelyn Guerrero.
- Pat Morita has Three daughters named Erin Morita, Aly Morita and Tia Morita.
- Before his death, Pat Morita’s net worth was around $5 million.
Interesting Facts about Pat Morita
- He started his career as a stand-up comedian in Los Angeles. And, he was found by Redd Foxx. He was often called the ‘Hip Nip’ for his stand-up comedy acts.
- Pat Morita was the first American-born star of Asian origin who was nominated for the highest of all, Academy Award for the film The Karate Kid.
- He had Two daughters with Yukiye Kitahara and one with Kathleen Yamachi.
- He was an avid drinker. His doctors warned him to stop drinking alcohol. But, he didn’t listen to his doctors and end up getting severe kidney and liver disease. His habit of drinking alcohol in large quantities became the major reason behind his death.
- He was buried at Palm Green Valley Memorial Park at 6701 North Jones Boulevard, Las Vegas, USA.
- Despite doing a character of a karate master, he didn’t know anything about karate in his real life.
FAQs | Pat Morita
When did Pat Morita die?
He died on 24th Nov 2005 in Las Vegas.
Tell us Pat Morita’s cause of death
H died due to kidney failure. His doctors warned him to not drink alcohol. But, he didn’t take it seriously.
Who played Mr. Miyagi?
Pat Morita played the role of Mr. Miyagi in the movie The Karate Kid.
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