# Pat Morita

> Japanese-American actor (1932–2005)

**Wikidata**: [Q298799](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q298799)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_Morita)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pat-morita

## Summary
Pat Morita was a Japanese-American actor best known for his iconic role as Mr. Miyagi in *The Karate Kid* film series. Born in 1932, he became one of the first Asian-American actors to achieve mainstream success in Hollywood, breaking barriers for representation in film and television.

## Biography
- **Born**: June 28, 1932
- **Died**: November 24, 2005
- **Nationality**: Japanese-American
- **Education**: Attended Armstrong College (now part of the University of California system)
- **Known for**: Portraying Mr. Miyagi in *The Karate Kid* (1984) and its sequels
- **Employer(s)**: The Groundlings (improv and theater group)
- **Field(s)**: Acting (film, television, theater)

## Contributions
Pat Morita made significant contributions to film and television, particularly in advancing Asian-American representation. His most notable role was as Kesuke Miyagi in *The Karate Kid* (1984), for which he earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He also starred in the television series *Happy Days* as Matsuo "Arnold" Takahashi and appeared in films like *Midway* (1976) and *Honeymoon in Vegas* (1992). Morita was a trailblazer for Asian-American actors in Hollywood, paving the way for greater diversity in casting.

## FAQs
**What was Pat Morita's most famous role?**
Pat Morita is best remembered for his role as Mr. Miyagi in *The Karate Kid* (1984), a character that became a cultural icon and earned him an Oscar nomination.

**Was Pat Morita involved in theater?**
Yes, he was affiliated with The Groundlings, a renowned improv and theater group based in Los Angeles.

**Did Pat Morita receive any major awards?**
He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for *The Karate Kid* and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

**What was Pat Morita's nationality?**
He was a Japanese-American actor, born in the United States to Japanese immigrant parents.

## Why They Matter
Pat Morita's career was groundbreaking for Asian-American representation in Hollywood. His portrayal of Mr. Miyagi challenged stereotypes and showcased the depth of Asian characters in mainstream cinema. His success opened doors for future generations of Asian-American actors and filmmakers, making him a pivotal figure in the industry's history.

## Notable For
- First Asian-American actor to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor (*The Karate Kid*, 1984)
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Iconic role as Mr. Miyagi in *The Karate Kid* franchise
- Trailblazer for Asian-American representation in film and television
- Member of The Groundlings improv group

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Pat Morita was born Noriyuki Morita on June 28, 1932, in Isleton, California. His parents were Japanese immigrants, and he spent part of his childhood in a Japanese internment camp during World War II. After the war, he attended Armstrong College (now part of the University of California system), where he began developing his interest in acting.

### Career Breakthrough
Morita's acting career took off in the 1970s with roles in films like *Midway* (1976) and television shows such as *Happy Days*, where he played Matsuo "Arnold" Takahashi. However, his most significant role came in 1984 with *The Karate Kid*, where he played Kesuke Miyagi, a wise and patient martial arts mentor. The role earned him an Academy Award nomination and cemented his legacy in Hollywood.

### Later Work and Legacy
After *The Karate Kid*, Morita continued acting in films like *Honeymoon in Vegas* (1992) and television series, including *The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo*. He also remained active in theater, particularly with The Groundlings. His contributions to Asian-American representation in entertainment were recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

### Personal Life and Death
Pat Morita passed away on November 24, 2005, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential Asian-American actors in Hollywood history. His work continues to inspire actors and filmmakers, and his portrayal of Mr. Miyagi remains one of the most beloved characters in cinema.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. MusicBrainz
6. [Source](https://variety.com/2005/scene/markets-festivals/pat-morita-dies-1117933584/)
7. [Source](https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2005/11/26/noriyuki-pat-morita-73/ba15e76b-e5f3-48ed-86d8-e354d50f4459/)
8. SNAC
9. Find a Grave
10. filmportal.de
11. [Oscar-Nominated Actor Pat Morita Dies. 2005](http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051125/ap_on_en_mo/obit_morita)
12. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
13. [Source](https://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/26/arts/pat-morita-73-actor-known-for-karate-kid-and-happy-days-dies.html)
14. [Source](https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5027535)
15. [Source](http://razzies.com/asp/content/XcNewsPlus.asp?cmd=view&articleid=29)
16. CONOR.SI
17. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
18. The Movie Database