Date of Birth: June 28, 1932
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Date of Death: November 24, 2005
Biography
Noriyuki “Pat” Morita was a celebrated American actor and comedian, best known for his role as Mr. Miyagi in the “The Karate Kid” series, for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Born to Japanese immigrant parents in Isleton, California, Morita faced significant challenges from a young age, including a long battle with spinal tuberculosis that left him bedridden for years. After a miraculous recovery, he joined his family in their restaurant business before finding his true calling in entertainment. Morita’s career took off with his role as Matsuo “Arnold” Takahashi on the television show “Happy Days.” His portrayal of Mr. Miyagi in “The Karate Kid” cemented his legacy as a beloved figure in American cinema. Beyond his iconic roles, Morita’s career spanned various genres, showcasing his versatility and enduring appeal.
5 Interesting Facts about Pat Morita
1. Pat Morita started his career as a stand-up comedian, often using the stage name “The Hip Nip.”
2. He was interned in a Japanese-American internment camp during World War II.
3. Morita’s role as Mr. Miyagi was initially met with skepticism due to his background in comedy.
4. He was the first Asian-American actor to be nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Supporting Actor category.
5. Morita provided the voice for the Emperor of China in Disney’s animated film “Mulan” (1998).
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Pat Morita
1. “For an actor, to be able to work consistently is the difference between success and failure.”
2. “You trust the quality of what you know, not quantity.”
3. “I had to find a way to survive.”
4. “What’s important is to know that you did your best.”
5. “We make sacred pact. I promise teach karate to you, you promise learn. I say, you do, no questions.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Pat Morita’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.
Children
Pat Morita had three daughters: Aly, Tia, and Erin Morita.
Relevant Links
1. [Pat Morita’s IMDb Page](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001552/
2. [Pat Morita’s Biography on Biography.com](https://www.biography.com/actor/pat-morita
3. [Pat Morita’s Wikipedia Page](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_Morita
4. [Pat Morita’s Find a Grave Memorial](https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/12474245/pat-morita
