Happy birthday Pat Morita
Noriyuki 'Pat' Morita was born June 28, 1932 in Isleton, California, to Japanese immigrant parents. Morita's early life was marked by adversity. He battled spinal tuberculosis from the age of two and was told he might never walk again.
Columbo fans might recognize him for his slightly-cringy performance as Alex Benedict's housekeeper in Etude in Black.
Beyond Columbo
Morita's career began in stand-up comedy, where he was known as the "Hip Nip," but he soon transitioned to television. He captured the hearts of audiences as Matsuo "Arnold" Takahashi on the beloved sitcom Happy Days.
However, it was his role as Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid film series that cemented Morita's place in cinematic history. His portrayal of the wise and patient martial arts mentor earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Mr. Miyagi wasn't just a character; he was a cultural icon, imparting lessons that extended far beyond karate.
Morita's talents were multifaceted. He voiced the Emperor of China in Disney's Mulan and its sequel, bringing a regal yet compassionate voice to the animated screen. His work in television continued to break barriers, with lead roles in series like Mr. T and Tina and Ohara, showcasing an Asian-American lead at a time when such representation was scarce.
For his contributions to the motion picture industry, Morita was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994. His legacy is one of perseverance, humor, and wisdom—a true testament to the indomitable spirit that defined both the man and the characters he played.
He passed away November 24, 2005 in Las Vegas, Nevada from kidney failure.
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