Pat Morita

Pat Morita

Pat Morita Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 25, 2005.
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.

Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press

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July 18, 2025

Heng C posted to the memorial.

July 8, 2025

Rhoddie Ludwig posted to the memorial.

June 12, 2025

Rod Turnbull posted to the memorial.

533 Entries

Heng C

July 18, 2025

Have been watching your shows everyday, miss you so much. Your legacy continues to live and shines. Hope you have a great time in heaven, uncle Pat!

Rhoddie Ludwig

July 8, 2025

A fan for a long time! Just watched the last of the series:´Karate Kid Legends´! He was still a part with flashbacks!
I remember Pat with his comedy! It was a, `stand up and take notice~´, moment! Comedy with no Asian influence! But there he was making me laugh so hard!
Thank you for this opportunity to give a small tribute to Noriuki´Pat´ Morita. (Apologize for the misspelling of his first appropriate name!
Rhoddie Ludwig
San Diego, CA

Rod Turnbull

June 12, 2025

Watched the original karate kid.....again! The other night......pat..... you were born for that part! With all due respect to your colleagues..... the movie was about you...z the USA couture a few more like you these days! Rest in peace!

Ted Perpinka

May 10, 2025

RIP he will forever and ever remain in my heart as a wonderful and comic actor who deserved everything life had to offer!

Sonora Davis

February 23, 2025

He is still the best in all the karate kids with ralph macchio. You will be greatly missed. R.I.P

David Casey

January 17, 2025

I just saw The Karate Kid and Karate Kid I today. Pat did a stand up comedy role in the Playboy Club in San Francisco in the 1970 era. A great comic. Dave Casey @ [email protected]. 1/17/25

Leslie Redaway

October 16, 2024

Rest In Heaven

Paul Temelkoff

September 13, 2024

SUPER GREAT MAN...MAY HIS MEMORY BE ETERNAL!

Koye Cherry

August 8, 2023

Rest In Peace

December 12, 2021

just finished watching k kid for the umpteen time over the last 30 years or more and still get great pleasure from watching them, thankyou, rest in peace . fred, chesterfield, england...

Jacob Harman

March 23, 2021

Rest in Peace

Marykay Dadetto

February 28, 2021

Growing up watching you act in all of the karate kid movies. They never get old watching again in 2021. Gone too soon. Thank you for being a part of such great memories. Rest in peace. Lighting a candle for you.

konner lewman

February 22, 2021

pat morita / mr. Miyagi taught me so many lessons and I wish he could have been in Cobra Kai

Connie Gehring

May 22, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

May 22, 2020

You were my favorite actor in the karate kid movies and Mr Miyagi taught us many different things .

Hlubi

May 9, 2020

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. He was my favourite actor in Karate Kid

Suresh

April 29, 2020

Mr. Miyagi has taught us all something. Thanks for bring him into our lives.

Nick Maydanis

April 11, 2020

What a great man..he was so funny as Arnold in happy days. I wish I had met him on a set. May your memory be eternal forever Pat!

Belinda

April 10, 2020

You are greatly missed

March 11, 2020

Gone but never forgotten!

M F

March 1, 2020

The best

Daniel Nierodzinski

February 19, 2020

He was a excellent actor. Sadly missed

Doree Oller

February 8, 2020

I just loved Pat Morita I am soo sad
For his wife my thoughts are with you mrs. Morita much love Doree Oller

August 20, 2019

Very good actor you will be missed.

Christopher Campbell

June 29, 2019

You were by far 1 of my favorite actors and I watch the karate kid trilogy when I feel down or miss you. Happy birthday

Robert Dewey

June 10, 2019

I will never forget Mr. Myagi or Arnold. The world has lost a GREAT man.

Sandra Turner

June 10, 2019

You will never he forgotten. To his love ones please know that he is around you but you can't see him. I know that for a fact. Be blessed!

Caesar Rentie

June 3, 2019

The lesson you taught in the movie The Karate Kid were timeless and while I know you were delivering a line from a script. You brought to life the lesson that we all need to know, which is to understand the basics of any subjects requires mastery of fundamentals of that subject.

Christopher Sanez

May 4, 2019

I remember watching you on Happy Days as a young boy. Then as a young teen you shaped my life do very much as Mr. Miyagi. You and my father look so much alike that he was actually mistaken for you on several occasions. On a few of those occasions he signed a couple of autographs for young children. Not to impersonate you, but to make those children happy. I'm sure you would have encourage it and laughed at the very spooky similarities in appearance the two of you share. Thank you for how you touched my life throughout my entire childhood and still to this day.
Christopher S.

LC

April 9, 2019

To the family and friends of Pat Morits, Im so sorry for your loss. As you remember your love one, may your treasured memories continue to bring you peace, comfort, and strength to endure.

Aprill Long

March 20, 2019

You seemed like a around good guy.i love your quotes in k.kid..i dont know never fought tree.i really hate to hear that you past.my heart goes out to you your wife and daughters.may peace find your

Levon Colon

February 3, 2019

I loved you in the movies..you are missed...

Shannon Williams

January 15, 2019

My very best favorite actor sad to see you go

school of LMS lindenhurst middle school

October 19, 2018

forever in our hearts but never to be forgotten ~ film and theater class LMS

June Camacho

September 29, 2018

Forever in our hearts ..

Louie Lahr

September 14, 2018

Rest in peace fine sir.i always will remember you

September 10, 2018

Death brings so much sorrow and make it difficult for family's and friends to deal with but, rest assured knowing the true God will bring relief by ending death forever. Sorry for everyone loss!

Latasha Blanks

August 21, 2018

Just wanted to light a candle for you while I watch your movie rest in heaven your missed! I love you and your movies.

August 13, 2018

TO THE FAMILY OF PAT MORITA I SEND MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES. HE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY.

SINCERELY/ JC

Susan Huskey-summerlot

August 4, 2018

You are forever remembered, RIP

Brian Klaski

August 4, 2018

You were an inspiration to a great many people. Myself included.
Rest in peace Mr. Morita.

Keith Brown

August 3, 2018

I am watching the karate kid right now.I grew up watching you in all of the karate kids. Thank you for being a part of such great movies. May you rest in peace.

Linda Solorzano

July 20, 2018

REST IN PEACE .. LOVED YOU N YOUR MOVIES..❤❤❤❤

Donald Salaam

July 20, 2018

Man I grew up watching you u was icon and always be, You was the one that convinced me to be an actor.....(R.I.P)

Louise Hemingway

July 18, 2018

Loved watching the karate kid as a child and now my children love it thanks for the great memories

Sachi Yoshida

June 30, 2018

I will always remember his comedy acts ohiyo and he say no Cleveland
You will be missed Rest in peace

Stacey Bynum

May 26, 2018

Pat, ( Mr.Miyagi) I know You would be Very proud the younger generations will now know who you are again with this Great show on You Tube called "Cobra Kai" the current day Karate Kid...You are represented well!!! Always in our hearts

James Borton

May 26, 2018

He made me wiser as an actor he did a awsone job that made me think i enjoyed him on the movies karate kids and tremors. ...

Curtis Green

May 23, 2018

Hey Pat. Guess what?? They have a new Karate Kid series going on now youtube. ITS PRETTY GOOD TOO!!! They have guest appearances of you popping up as "Memories" still teaching Ralph Macchio "Daniel-san" important lessons he must always remember. You should see him. Ralph is all grown up. Still dealing with "Johnny" who is also all grown up with his own Cobra Kai school. Its a really good series. They did the show justice. I just wanted to say THANK YOU for teaching all of us "Balance". Oh and how to crane kick too. To stand up to bullies. And to always do what is right. THANK YOU AGAIN PAT"Mr. Miyagi". You are not missed just yet
.... because you are STILL WITH US!
WE LOVE YOU.

Bruce Harris

May 8, 2018

To the greatest person to have appeared on the big screen during my younger days, and on into my teens, Pat "Mr Myagi" Morita, you'll be sadly missed by myself and many more people from all over the world.
God bless you "Mr Myagi".

Norma Sandow

May 5, 2018

Mr Morita was truly a talented actor
He missed his calling on earlier films
He would have been a natural on Tiffany's
He will be truly missed

rashy abanag

April 12, 2018

i have watch all he karate kids since i was 9 and i truly am sad that u are no longer here with us but i want to say you are a wonderful master,actor and a wonderful person may you rest in peace R.I.P

lyle compo

February 24, 2018

we will allways love,his movies, and will miss him terribly,we loved all the karate kid movies and will never be forgotten.

Hernaldo Martinez

February 13, 2018

I saw your movies when I lived in Miami Florida back in the 80's when I was about 8 years old and they made a break on me. Now I am 39 and I watch your movies with my sons who are 8 and 5 and they love them. Thanks for everything Mr. Morita. God may have you by his side. You will always be remembered and loved!!! RIP.

Erika Ortiz

January 25, 2018

You are greatly missed,thank you for being a wonderful childhood memory...you were a great actor and wonderful man...R.I.P.

Josefina Aburto

January 20, 2018

You will never be forgotten. I have watches all the karte kid movie and they all are touching.

Jason Norris

January 4, 2018

I will always have a warm heart when I hear the words wax on wax off, great man. The world has lost a ray of sunshine now you have passed.

Gabrielle Gregory

December 26, 2017

I am 80 yrs. Old and watch your movies when ever I am able.
You are ageless and a true actor.
Thank you for the many hours of joy.

C P

December 3, 2017

Today my 6 year old daughter watched Karate Kid with me for the first time. It was a magical moment. Thank you and RIP.

Theresa LeCompte

November 26, 2017

May you rest in peace...always. You are greatly missed and very much loved. You were a great actor. Loved you in all you starred in.

Jasmine Roberts

October 18, 2017

Tonight was the first time I watched the movie series of Karate Kid. I sat with my husband and paid attention to everything you taught. I learn more from you about life. May you continue to rest peacefully

Jeanine Holmes

October 11, 2017

I'm watching your movie from 1986 much ❤

Marie Martinez

September 13, 2017

Pat Morita was an awesome actor I will miss him he was one of my favorites.My condolences go out to his family and his daughters and to his wife Evelyn.

August 8, 2017

So sad to here

August 5, 2017

Pat, your legacy will live on through all of us who grew up in the 1980's, and forever be loved and celebrated. You will never be forgotten. Your dry witty humor and wisdom is a heart warming memory and should be honored. We all love you like family.

Matthew Garrett

July 18, 2017

You will always be one of my favorite actors of all time. I grew up watching the karate kid movies. I will always remember my favorite line of all times "wax on, wax off."

Tim McColm

July 7, 2017

Pat Morita, I loved growing up and watching you as an actor. I will never forget you! Now that I am a father myself, I have enjoyed passing on your movies (such as the karate Kid movies) to the next generation! It is fun to see them love you as much as I did!

Matthew Drake

June 27, 2017

"Mr. Miyagi was the Mentor that defined the characteristics of Wisdom, Ethics, and Humor, You will be truly missed."

Just remember u will always be an icon E.o.A

June 24, 2017

Rest be in above in the sweetest of bonzi tree old friend r.i.p

Ann M

May 3, 2017

You remain a legacy of truth and absolute love. Peace be yours forever in Gods hands!

Dale Burnette

April 24, 2017

I still watch all your movies and I will until I die great actor and you've always inspired me in your movies we'll miss you greatly

Dorothy Fisk

April 9, 2017

Great to still watch your movies! Karate kid - amazing life lessons

Sandy Guelai

March 28, 2017

You were a great comedian and I loved your performance in Happy Days and Mash, but diffiantly in Karate kid, you are deeply missed and I still watch your movies "Karate kid"

David Dahn

March 19, 2017

Thank you Pat, for the magic you brought to the screen and our hearts. And, for teaching an entire generation what respect, is all about.

Casey C

March 9, 2017

Amazing actor will be miss

Rod Owens

March 8, 2017

Awsome actor.

Doreen Davies

February 15, 2017

You was a great actor and you will be sadly missed Doreen Davies (bolton

Dunha Mc Gregor

February 14, 2017

Árvore. Pense árvore. Árvore.

charlie ruggles

January 18, 2017

love you always Pat, miss you very much

Rebecca Savoie

December 9, 2016

You were a amazing actor and legend who is greatly missed.

Nya Phillips

November 24, 2016

You were an amazing actor and comedian, and you are still very missed.

Christine Stanfill

November 16, 2016

God bless! You are missed

Jordan Howery

November 5, 2016

Mr. Miyagi I wasn't even born when the Karate Kid movie came out but I still love it R.I.P legend

Rodrigo Oliva

October 25, 2016

Mr. Morita thanks for everything I will always remember was part of my childhood and his teachings made me part of my future. rest in peace

Eddie Bock

September 16, 2016

MR.Morita although I never met you you have showed me disaplin thought your movies with Ralph macchio in the krate kid series and I will forever be great full for that and for ever thankful R.I.P MR.Morita

susan presto

July 22, 2016

Watching "The Karate Kid" right now thinking about you. I was born in 73, this will always be a GREAT movie to me. RiP

Bob Chapman

July 16, 2016

Thank you for all of the many wonderful memories you provided. You were truly an inspiration and I wish I had the privilege to have met you in person. Rest in peace and know that you will be sorely missed.

Bob Chapman........Plano, TX

Lisa Maki

July 8, 2016

Wow, watched the movie again tonight. Got so emotional. Literally. You are a true star and inspiration to me. May the lord look after you for now. Rest in peace awesome guy.

alanah ahching

June 22, 2016

number1

Afreeca Nelson

June 18, 2016

Life is energy and energy is never gone, just transformed.
Love always and forever,
Afreeca Nelson

June 9, 2016

I grew up just miles from your birth town of Isleton, CA in Stockton. Then I also moved to Las Vegas in 1994. My first friend in Vegas was how I found out about the loss of you. I loved you from the days of Happy Day's through all the Karate Kid movies. Always a shining beacon of hope! RIP

Jeanette Diaz

June 8, 2016

It seems we've always known your name, we've always loved your acting and we'll always miss you. Rest in Peace, Pat Morita.

M Rodriguez

May 23, 2016

R.I.P. Mr. Pat Morita <3

Melanie Rodriguez

May 23, 2016

You Are LOVED by the WORLD. R.I.P. Mr. Pat Morita, you touched our hearts and brought us joy through the BiG Screen.
Many Prayer and Heartfelt Condolences to the family.
~Melanie Rodriguez

Buddah Marsh

May 15, 2016

R.I.p sir

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July 18, 2025

Heng C posted to the memorial.

July 8, 2025

Rhoddie Ludwig posted to the memorial.

June 12, 2025

Rod Turnbull posted to the memorial.