Who is Pat Morita?
Pat Morita was an American actor and comedian best known for his iconic role as Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid film series. His portrayal earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor and made Mr. Miyagi one of the most beloved characters in cinema history. Before his breakthrough in The Karate Kid, Morita gained recognition for his roles in television sitcoms, including Happy Days.
How Old Was Pat Morita?
Pat Morita was born on June 28, 1932, and passed away on November 24, 2005, at the age of 73.
Pat Morita Biography
Pat Morita, born Noriyuki Morita, was the son of Japanese immigrants and grew up in California. As a child, he faced numerous hardships, including a battle with spinal tuberculosis, which left him bedridden for years. During World War II, he and his family were interned in Japanese-American camps, an experience that deeply influenced his perspective on life and his career.
After recovering from his illness, Morita began working as a stand-up comedian in the 1960s under the stage name “The Hip Nip.” His comedic talent eventually led to television roles, with his breakout part as Matsuo “Arnold” Takahashi on the hit sitcom Happy Days.
Morita’s career reached new heights when he was cast as Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid (1984). His performance, blending wisdom, humor, and martial arts, became legendary and earned him an Academy Award nomination. He reprised the role in three sequels: The Karate Kid Part II (1986), The Karate Kid Part III (1989), and The Next Karate Kid (1994).
In addition to The Karate Kid franchise, Morita appeared in numerous films and TV shows, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He also lent his voice to animated projects and continued performing stand-up comedy throughout his career.
Pat Morita Movies and TV Shows
- The Karate Kid (1984)
- The Karate Kid Part II (1986)
- The Karate Kid Part III (1989)
- The Next Karate Kid (1994)
- Happy Days (1975–1983)
- Mulan (1998) (voice of the Emperor of China)
- Honeymoon in Vegas (1992)
- Babes in Toyland (1986)
Pat Morita’s Net Worth
At the time of his passing, Pat Morita’s net worth was estimated at around $5 million, earned from his long-standing career in film, television, and comedy.
Pat Morita’s legacy as a talented and beloved actor endures, with his portrayal of Mr. Miyagi continuing to inspire audiences worldwide.
