Remembering Pat Morita: Looking At His Life & Family

Early Life and Struggles
Born Noriyuki Morita on June 28, 1932, in Isleton, California, Pat Morita faced significant challenges from a young age. He contracted spinal tuberculosis at the age of two and spent much of his childhood in hospitals. Despite these hardships, Morita's resilience and sense of humor began to shine through during his recovery.

Family Background
Morita was the son of Japanese immigrants who worked as fruit pickers. His parents, Tamaru and Momoe Morita, were interned during World War II in the Gila River internment camp in Arizona, a traumatic experience that Morita also endured. This period of his life greatly influenced his perspective and later advocacy for Japanese-American rights.

Path to Stardom
After recovering from his illness, Morita initially worked in his family's restaurant business. However, his passion for comedy and performance led him to pursue a career in show business. He started as a stand-up comedian, where he adopted the stage name "Pat" to be more marketable in America.

Breakthrough Role and Career Highlights
Morita's breakthrough role came when he was cast as Arnold on the hit TV show 'Happy Days' in the 1970s. This role showcased his comedic talents and paved the way for his most famous role as "Mr. Miyagi" in 'The Karate Kid' (1984). Morita's portrayal of "Mr. Miyagi", a wise and gentle karate master, resonated with audiences worldwide and became a cultural icon.

Later Career and Contributions
In addition to 'The Karate Kid' sequels, Morita appeared in numerous films and television shows, demonstrating his versatility as an actor. He lent his voice to characters in animated features and continued to perform in both comedic and dramatic roles.

Personal Life
Pat Morita married three times. His first marriage was to Kathleen Yamachi, with whom he had one daughter. He later married Yukiye Kitahara, with whom he had two more daughters. His final marriage was to Evelyn Guerrero in 1994, and they remained together until his death.

Legacy and Impact
Pat Morita passed away on November 24, 2005, but his legacy endures through his memorable performances and contributions to the entertainment industry. He broke barriers for Asian-American actors in Hollywood and remains an inspiration for many aspiring performers.