Pat Morita Spouse

1. Pat Morita: A Tribute to a Legend

On November 24, 2005, the world lost a true legend. Pat Morita passed away at the age of 73, leaving behind a legacy that has inspired generations.

Born in 1933 in Isleton, California, Morita was of Japanese descent. He was interned with his family at the Amache internment camp in Colorado during World War II. After the war, the family moved to Oakland, California, where Morita eventually began his comedy career.

Morita’s big break came in 1974 when he was cast as Arnold on the hit TV show Happy Days. He went on to star in several other TV shows and movies, including The Karate Kid and its sequels.

In addition to his acting career, Morita was also a successful businessman. He owned several restaurants and a clothing company. He also wrote several books, including his autobiography, The Wisdom of Morita.

Morita was a true pioneer, breaking down barriers both in Hollywood and in the business world. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

2. Morita’s Early Life and Career

Pat Morita was born in 1932 in Isleton, California, the son of a Japanese immigrant father and a Scottish-American mother. He was interned with his family in an American concentration camp during World War II. After the war, Morita moved to Oakland, California, where he eventually dropped out of high school to work in his father’s restaurant.

In the early 1950s, Morita began pursuing a career in stand-up comedy, performing in clubs and bars around the San Francisco Bay Area. He eventually caught the attention of comic actor Jerry Lewis, who helped him get started in Hollywood. Morita made his television debut in an episode of The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis in 1959.

Over the next few years, Morita guest-starred on a number of popular television shows, including The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Donna Reed Show, and Mister Ed. In 1964, he appeared in an episode of The Twilight Zone titled “The obsolete man”

In 1965, Morita was cast as Arnold on the sitcom Hey, Landlord, which ran for one season. He also had a recurring role on The Courtship of Eddie’s Father as Mr. Hirata, a friend of the family.

In the 1970s, Morita became increasingly involved in martial arts, and began teaching karate. He also appeared in a number of martial arts films, including The Karate Kid (1984), The Karate Kid Part II (1986), and The Karate Kid Part III (1989).

In the 1980s and 1990s, Morita also had a number of memorable roles in mainstream films, such as The Karate Kid, The Karate Kid Part II, The Karate Kid Part III, and The Nutty Professor. He also appeared in the popular television series Happy Days as Matsuo “Arnold” Takahashi, the owner of the diner where the show’s characters often ate.

Pat Morita died in 2005 at the age of 73.

3. Morita’s Personal Life

Many people know Pat Morita from his iconic roles in movies and television, but few know much about his personal life. Here are three things you may not know about the man behind memorable characters like Mr. Miyagi and Arnold on Happy Days.

1. Pat Morita was born in California but spent much of his childhood in an internment camp for Japanese Americans during World War II.

2. Morita struggled with alcoholism for many years but eventually got sober and became an advocate for recovery.

3. In addition to his acting career, Morita also owned and operated a successful chain of sushi restaurants.

While Pat Morita is best known for his roles on the big and small screen, his personal life was just as interesting. From his humble beginnings to his battle with addiction, Morita was a complex and fascinating man.

4. Morita’s Later Years and Death

Pat Morita died on November 24, 2005, at the age of 73, from natural causes. He had been in and out of hospitals for the previous two years due to complications from diabetes and a heart condition.

Morita’s funeral was held on December 1, 2005, at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles. He was survived by his wife, Evelyn, and their two children, Alyson and Christopher.

In his later years, Morita continued to act and make occasional public appearances. In 2004, he was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2005, he published his autobiography, The Wisdom of Morita-San.

Although his health was failing in his later years, Morita remained active and continued to work on various projects up until his death. He will be remembered as a talented and beloved actor who brought joy to millions of people around the world.

5. The Legacy of Pat Morita

Pat Morita was an American actor who is best known for his role as Arnold on the hit sitcom Happy Days. He also played Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid. Though he passed away in 2005, his legacy continues to live on through his work.

Pat Morita was born in 1934 in California. His parents were Japanese immigrants who ran a farm. When Morita was just two years old, his family was sent to an internment camp during World War II. They spent three years there before being released.

After the war, Morita’s family moved to San Francisco where he grew up. He dropped out of high school and began working odd jobs. He eventually found his way into stand-up comedy and became a successful nightclub act.

In the 1970s, Morita began to land small roles on television. He had a recurring role on M*A*S*H and guest-starred on shows like The Love Boat and Fantasy Island.

In 1974, Morita was cast as Arnold on Happy Days. He was only supposed to appear in one episode, but the character was so popular that he became a regular. He stayed on the show for five seasons.

In 1984, Morita landed his most famous role as Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid. He went on to star in three more Karate Kid movies.

Throughout his career, Morita was nominated for several awards. In 2002, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Pat Morita passed away in 2005 at the age of 73. Though he is no longer with us, his work continues to entertain and inspire people all over the world.