Pat Morita
Pat Morita
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Pat Morita's full name was Noriyuki Morita. He is often referred to as Pat Morita due to his American nationality.
Birth and Death Dates
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Noriyuki Morita, better known as Pat Morita, was born on June 28, 1932, in Isleton, California. He passed away on November 24, 2005, at the age of 73.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Pat Morita held American nationality, despite his Japanese ancestry. He was an actor, comedian, and martial artist, with a career spanning over four decades.
Early Life and Background
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Born to Japanese immigrant parents in Isleton, California, Pat Morita grew up in a small farming town. His family faced prejudice and racism due to their ethnicity, which had a significant impact on his early life. Morita found solace in acting and comedy, developing his skills through local theater performances.
Major Accomplishments
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Pat Morita's breakthrough role came when he played the iconic character Mr. Miyagi in the 1984 film The Karate Kid. He reprised this role in two sequels, The Next Karate Kid (1994) and The Karate Kid Part II (1986). Morita's portrayal of the wise and patient martial arts master earned him widespread recognition.
Morita also appeared in various television shows, including Happy Days, where he played the role of Arnold, a friend of Fonzie's. His other notable film appearances include My Boyfriend's Back (1993), The Electric Horseman (1979), and Eight Men Out (1988).
Notable Works or Actions
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In addition to his acting career, Pat Morita was an accomplished martial artist. He held a 6th-degree black belt in the art of karate and taught the discipline for many years.
Morita also worked as a director on several projects, including The Karate Kid Part II (1986) and Happy Days, where he directed several episodes.
Impact and Legacy
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Pat Morita's impact on popular culture is undeniable. His portrayal of Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid franchise has become iconic, teaching generations of filmgoers the value of discipline, hard work, and perseverance through martial arts.
Morita's contributions to the entertainment industry extend beyond his acting career. He helped pave the way for Asian-American representation on screen, breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Pat Morita is widely quoted and remembered for his wise and insightful quotes from The Karate Kid franchise. His character's iconic phrases, such as "Wax on, wax off" and "Sweep the leg," have become ingrained in popular culture.
Morita's legacy extends beyond his filmography; he remains an inspiration to those who strive for excellence and perseverance in their pursuits. His dedication to martial arts and teaching serves as a testament to the importance of discipline and self-improvement.
Quotes by Pat Morita
I’m awkward at these things. Just being nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Karate Kid was a real surprise and I was a little uncomfortable.
I never was able to do karate. That’s calling me a good actor. I act like I can do anything.
You may have heard that back in the States there are some people who are smoking grass. I don’t know how you feel, but it’s sure easier than cutting the stuff.
I’m in semi-retirement, but what am I going to retire to? I don’t ride horses, I don’t golf anymore. I shoot a game of pool every now and then.
I’ve been working on my autobiography, just pecking away in longhand. The more you write, the more you remember. The more you remember, the more detail you recall. It’s not all pleasant!
I don’t know of any other creature on earth other than man that will sit in a corner and cry because of some painful experience in the past.
The Japanese couldn’t have been all bad during World War II. Look at all the movies Hollywood was able to make on account of them. The Indians weren’t the only bad guys. Thanks to the Japanese and Geronimo, John Wayne became a millionaire.
The Japanese couldn't have been all bad during World War II. Look at all the movies Hollywood was able to make on account of them. The Indians weren't the only bad guys. Thanks to the Japanese and Geronimo, John Wayne became a millionaire.