Pat Morita, 'karate Kid's' Mr. Miyagi, Dies.

[Gaffer]

Taken from: http://www.cnn.com/2005/SHOWBIZ/Movies/11/...a.ap/index.html

 

Pat Morita, 'Karate Kid's' Mr. Miyagi, dies.

 

Friday, November 25, 2005; Posted: 7:25 p.m. EST (00:25 GMT)

 

 

Pat Morita played Mr. Miyagi in "The Karate Kid" films, here in "The Karate Kid, Part II" in 1986.

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'Karate Kid's' Morita dies (2:10)

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Manage Alerts | What Is This? LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- 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." (Watch a profile of Morita -- 2:10)

 

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.

 

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Sad news indeed.

 

"Besto Block, no be there!" - Quality!

[Guest Finepix]

'Wax on, Wax off'

 

What a legend!

 

A sad loss ............

[Gillies]

A very sad loss ....... I think an actor who will be remembered by many many fans ... his Karate Kid role is legendary and will ensure imortality ..... and the movie also gave fame to Bonsia Trees.

 

Like I'm sure many other kids at that time, after seen The Karate Kid ... I rushed out and took Karate Lessons, and thourghly enjoyed it.

 

Think my favourite line in the first movie is when Daniel has cuts and bruises on his head, and he tells Miyagi he fell of his bike, and Miyagi replies "lucky no hurt hand" ..... a quick and witty response

 

A true legend as FinePix says .... nearly everyone who seen Karate Kid remembers "wax on, wax off".

 

Gillies

[billy5000]

Hi all

 

i remember those films whilst growing up:)

 

rip old man:)

 

sg

[MJB]

Gutted.

 

Went out and polished my car in his honour.

[Snatcher]

RIP fond memories as well

[John S]

A very funny actor, RIP Pat

[deanbmw]

syanara pat Morita san, a true spirit

oss

[Guest Jan V]

His acting and humor will be missed by many. Truly enjoyed him in the Happy Days sitcom. There was much to learn from him as he acted in the Karate Kid. RIP wise one.

[Snatcher]

Yes Jan wax off for the last time

 

RIP sensai x