Jack Soo as Det. Nick Yemana (1975-1978) on Barney Miller
Posted on 11/25/2005 6:33:51 AM PST by lunarbicep
LOS ANGELES - Actor Pat Morita, whose portrayal of the wise and dry-witted Mr. Miyagi in "The Karate Kid" earned him an Oscar nomination, has died. He was 73.
Morita died Thursday at his home in Las Vegas of natural causes, said his wife of 12 years, Evelyn. She said in a statement that her husband, who first rose to fame with a role on "Happy Days," had "dedicated his entire life to acting and comedy."
In 1984, he appeared in the role that would define his career and spawn countless affectionate imitations. As Kesuke Miyagi, the mentor to Ralph Macchio's "Daniel-san," he taught karate while trying to catch flies with chopsticks and offering such advice as "wax on, wax off" to guide Daniel through chores to improve his skills.
Morita said in a 1986 interview with The Associated Press he was billed as Noriyuki "Pat" Morita in the film because producer Jerry Weintraub wanted him to sound more ethnic. He said he used the billing because it was "the only name my parents gave me."
He lost the 1984 best supporting actor award to Haing S. Ngor, who appeared in "The Killing Fields."
For years, Morita played small and sometimes demeaning roles in such films as "Thoroughly Modern Millie" and TV series such as "The Odd Couple" and "Green Acres." His first breakthrough came with "Happy Days," and he followed with his own brief series, "Mr. T and Tina."
"The Karate Kid," led to three sequels, the last of which, 1994's "The Next Karate Kid," paired him with a young Hilary Swank.
Morita was prolific outside of the "Karate Kid" series as well, appearing in "Honeymoon in Vegas," "Spy Hard," "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues" and "The Center of the World." He also provided the voice for a character in the Disney movie "Mulan" in 1998.
Born in northern California on June 28, 1932, the son of migrant fruit pickers, Morita spent most of his early years in the hospital with spinal tuberculosis. He later recovered only to be sent to a Japanese-American internment camp in Arizona during World War II.
"One day I was an invalid," he recalled in a 1989 AP interview. "The next day I was public enemy No. 1 being escorted to an internment camp by an FBI agent wearing a piece."
After the war, Morita's family tried to repair their finances by operating a Sacramento restaurant. It was there that Morita first tried his comedy on patrons.
Because prospects for a Japanese-American standup comic seemed poor, Morita found steady work in computers at Aerojet General. But at age 30 he entered show business full time.
"Only in America could you get away with the kind of comedy I did," he commented. "If I tried it in Japan before the war, it would have been considered blasphemy, and I would have ended in leg irons. "
Morita was to be buried at Palm Green Valley Mortuary and Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife and three daughters from a previous marriage.
Hmm. I guess that is what I'm saying.
No, that was the late Jack Soo.
No, he wasn't on Barney Miller. You're confusing him with the late great film & stage actor, Jack Soo (who played Detective Nick Yemana).
Darn, 54 seconds.
I think it is great that we do not know his politics, but everyone knows of the hours of entertainment he provided us.
Pat Morita -- a role model for Hollywood.
Hillary Swank a dollie?
if u say so
IIRC he croaked the national anthem at the 2000 Democratic Convention. Still, he at least sang it to the end while the prior night's singer, Melissa Ethridge, couldn't bear to.
He was a demo..he said the pledge at the convention last year i believe
He also played a recurring role on a few of the early episodes of M*A*S*H as I recall
Still a great movie and role model for kids. Of course mine were trying to catch a housefly with their chopsticks for days after seeing it.
Not familiar with his TV stuff except Happy Days. Thanx.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001552/
R.I.P. Pat.
Yes he was. I thought he was great as was the show, it was a Must watch in my house.
Collision Course from 1989. And it was bad, bad, bad.
That being said, Mr. Morita was an enjoyable screen personality who entertained us for many years. RIP.
Sounds like he overcame a lot to become an American success story.
Rest in peace, Mr Morita.
Morita died Thursday at his home in Las Vegas of "Natural Causes"........
First of all, may he rest in peace and may God bless his family.
That said........I have a problem with the term "died of natural causes". Does that mean there were no bullet holes? I'm almost 62 and my health is good. If I were to drop dead tomorrow, would that be of "natural causes"? I read somewhere that someone died at age 63 of "NATURAL CAUSES"! What does this mean, "NATURAL CAUSES". Maybe my family would like to know what really happened. What genetic defect did I suffer. What have they inherited from me. Damn, I would like to know. My Father died of "natural causes". What does that mean?!? What weakness am I carrying around that may cause my premature demise? You get my point. Let's wake up the medical community and make them tell us in detail how our loved ones have demised. Don't patronize me with "NATUAL CAUSES"...balderdash, y'all!!!!
RIP, Mr. Morita. Thanks for the memories; we'll miss you.
That's what I thought you meant. Couldn't agree more.
"Eeeyah, yehp, yehp.yehp."
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