Pat Morita American actor of Japanese descent Date of Birth: 28.06.1932 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Illness
2. Internment and Comedy Beginnings
3. Early Film Roles
4. Breakthrough with "Happy Days"
5. "The Karate Kid" and International Stardom
6. Later Career
7. Voice Acting and Personal Life

Early Life and Illness

Norio Morita, later known as Pat Morita, was born on June 28, 1932, in Isleton, California. Tragedy struck early in his life when he contracted tuberculosis of the spine at the age of two. He spent most of the next nine years in hospitals, encased in a full-body plaster cast. Doctors believed he would never walk again.

However, after a complex spinal surgery, Norio miraculously regained his ability to walk at the age of 11.

Internment and Comedy Beginnings

During World War II, Pat Morita's family, along with other Japanese Americans, was sent to internment camps. While in an Arizona camp, Norio met a Catholic priest who inspired him to adopt the stage name "Pat."

After the war, the Morita family opened a restaurant in Sacramento. Pat entertained customers with jokes and acted as a master of ceremonies for group dinners. In his early 30s, he began his comedy career, performing stand-up in local nightclubs and bars.

Early Film Roles

Pat Morita's first film role was a stereotypical Asian gangster in the 1967 musical comedy "Thoroughly Modern Millie." He went on to appear in numerous small roles in films and television shows, including "The Queen and I," "The Bill Cosby Show," "Columbo," and "MASH."

Breakthrough with "Happy Days"

In 1976, Morita landed a major role as Admiral Ryunosuke Kusaka in the film "Midway." This led to his breakthrough in the comedy series "Happy Days," where he played Arthur "Arnold" Takahashi, the owner of Arnold's Drive-In.

"The Karate Kid" and International Stardom

Morita's most iconic role came in the youth-oriented family film "The Karate Kid." He played Mr. Kesuke Miyagi, a wise sensei who teaches karate to a young misfit, Daniel (Ralph Macchio). Miyagi reappeared in three sequels. Despite his character's martial arts prowess, Morita had no prior knowledge of karate and spoke more fluent English than Japanese.

Later Career

Morita received a Golden Globe and Emmy nomination for his role as Tommy Tanaka in the television drama "Amos." He starred in the detective series "Ohara" and wrote and acted in the romantic war film "Captive Hearts."

Voice Acting and Personal Life

Pat Morita lent his voice to characters in animated films such as "Mulan" and "SpongeBob SquarePants." He also appeared in television series including "The Secret Files of Shelby Woo" and "The Hughleys."

Morita married three times. His first marriage lasted for 14 years and produced a daughter, Erin. His second marriage ended in 1982 after several setbacks. He married his third wife, Evelyn Louise Guerrero, in 1994. They remained together until Morita's death.

Pat Morita passed away on November 24, 2005, at the age of 73, in Las Vegas. He left behind a legacy of memorable characters and inspiration.