Noriyuki "Pat" Morita was an American film and television actor who departed this life at the age of 73 due to kidney failure. He was best known for playing the role of Miyagi in the "The Karate Kid" movie series. He was nominated and won an Academy Award for this role. He did not know how to do karate in the film, that was just him acting. Born 1932 in Isleton, California, Morita started his ca... more
Join Memories to request access to contribute your cherished photos, videos, and stories to Pat's memorial with others who loved them.
Join MemoriesHe reprise his role as Kesuke Miyagi in the film, "The Next Karate Kid" with Hilary Swank
Married to Kathleen Yamachi for 14 years from 1953 to 1967, they had 1 child
Kathy Montilla Married his third wife Evelyn Guerrero for 11 years from 1994 until he passed way in 2005
Kathy Montilla Started his career as a stand-up comedian and a member of the improvisational comedy troupe "The Groundlings"
Played the role of Matsuo "Arnold" Takahashi on the TV series "Happy Days"
He was the voice of The Emperor in the animated Film, "Mulan"
He was the lead actor in the television program "Mr. T and Tina"
His first movie role was as a stereotypical henchman in "Thoroughly Modern Millie"
On November 24, 2005, Morita passed away at his home in Las Vegas of kidney failure
Pat Morita sits down for interview
Kathy Montilla He quotes, "I never was able to do karate. That's calling me a good actor. I act like I can do anything"
Married to his second wife Yukiye Kitahara for 19 years from 1970 to 1989, they had 2 children
Kathy Montilla Pat Morita was born on the 28 June 1932 in Isleton, California
Won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Kesuke Miyagi in the "The Karate Kid" movie series
A Tribute to Karate Kid I, II, III - "Eye of the tiger"
He starred as the title character in the ABC detective show "Ohara"