Pat Morita
Pat Morita – Life, Career, and Memorable Legacy
Pat Morita (1932–2005) was an American actor and comedian, best known as Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid. Discover his life story, career turning points, challenges, and the legacy he left behind.
Introduction
Pat Morita, born Noriyuki Morita (June 28, 1932 – November 24, 2005), was an American actor and comedian whose performance as Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid films became iconic. Over decades, Morita moved from adversity and obscurity to award-nominated prominence, leaving an enduring impact on film, television, and Asian American representation in Hollywood.
He was one of the first Asian American actors nominated for an Academy Award, and his career spanned sitcoms, dramas, voice work, and stand-up comedy.
Early Life & Challenges
Birth and Family Background
Morita was born in Isleton, California, to Japanese immigrant parents, Tamaru and Momoe Morita.
Illness and Recovery
At two years old, Morita contracted spinal tuberculosis (Pott’s disease).
Internment During World War II
During World War II, his family was interned along with many Japanese American families.
Youth & Early Work
After the war, Morita’s family ran a restaurant in Sacramento, California.
He later worked in data processing and programming roles (e.g. with state agencies and Lockheed) before turning fully to entertainment.
Entry Into Entertainment
Stand-Up Comedy
Morita began trying stand-up comedy in Sacramento and San Francisco.
Early Acting Appearances
Morita’s earliest film roles include Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967) and The Shakiest Gun in the West (1968) in small character parts. Columbo) and had recurring roles on MASH*, Sanford and Son, among others.
He also had a recurring role as Matsuo “Arnold” Takahashi on Happy Days from 1975 to 1983.
He starred in the sitcom Mr. T and Tina (1976) and the ABC detective drama Ohara (1987–88).
Breakthrough: The Karate Kid & Mr. Miyagi
Casting & Preparation
Morita famously auditioned five times for the role of Mr. Miyagi before being cast.
He became the first Asian American to receive an Oscar nomination (for Best Supporting Actor) for that performance.
Karate Kid Films & Legacy
He played Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid (1984), Part II (1986), and Part III (1989). The Next Karate Kid (1994), opposite Hilary Swank, as a Miyagi figure.
He also voiced Mr. Miyagi in the animated Karate Kid TV series (1989–90).
His performance as Mr. Miyagi remains deeply beloved and influential, shaping popular culture and how Asian mentors are perceived in Western cinema.
Later Career & Other Roles
Television & Film Roles
Beyond the Karate Kid franchise, Morita continued acting in television and film:
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He played Mike Woo on The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo.
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He guest starred in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Married… with Children, Boy Meets World, etc.
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He voiced The Emperor in Disney’s Mulan (1998), and reprised the role in Mulan II (2004).
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He starred in the war romance Captive Hearts (1987), and in the TV movie Amos, earning Emmy and Golden Globe nods.
He also made appearances in commercials parodying his Miyagi persona (e.g. Colgate) and cameo spots in shows.
Awards & Honors
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Nominated for Academy Award, Best Supporting Actor, The Karate Kid (1984)
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Nominated for Golden Globe (Supporting Actor, film) and Golden Globe for TV roles
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He earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994.
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Posthumously inducted into the Martial Arts History Museum Hall of Fame (2015).
Personality, Values & Challenges
Morita had a warm, humble presence and took care to bring dignity and authenticity to his roles—especially his portrayal of Mr. Miyagi.
Though he had health struggles early in life, he translated adversity into resilience.
He also faced racial typecasting in Hollywood but managed to expand beyond it.
Legacy & Cultural Impact
Pat Morita’s most enduring legacy is Mr. Miyagi—a mentor figure who taught discipline, humility, balance, and moral integrity. The character has become a cultural shorthand for wise mentors.
He broke barriers for Asian American actors, being among the first to be Oscar-nominated in a prominent role.
He remains beloved by fans of Karate Kid, and his influence persists in sequels, spin-offs, and in the ongoing Cobra Kai universe, where his memory and character are honored.
Documentaries like Pat Morita: Long Story Short and More Than Miyagi explore his life in depth.
Moreover, his story—from illness, internment and discrimination to fame—serves as inspiration for persistence, dignity, and transcending limitations.