Pat Morita - Mr Miyagi Or Arnold Ot His Fans

[kayo]

Pat Morita, 73, Actor Known for 'Karate Kid' and 'Happy Days,' Dies

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: November 26, 2005

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 25 (AP) - Pat Morita, whose portrayal of the wise and dry-witted Mr. Miyagi in "The Karate Kid" earned him an Oscar nomination, died on Thursday at his home in Las Vegas. He was 73.

Ron Edmonds/Associated Press

Pat Morita ...  from "The Karate Kid," died Thursday at his home in Las Vegas of natural causes.

His death, of natural causes, was announced by his wife, Evelyn.

Mr. Morita, who began his career as a stand-up comedian, had his breakthrough role as Arnold, the restaurant owner on the sitcom "Happy Days," in 1975. Before that he had played small parts in films like "Thoroughly Modern Millie" and on television series like "Sanford and Son," "M*A*S*H," "The Odd Couple" and "Green Acres." After one season on "Happy Days," he briefly starred in his own series, "Mr. T and Tina," in 1976. He returned to "Happy Days" for the 1982-83 season.

In 1984, Mr. Morita first played the role that would define his career and spawn countless affectionate imitations, Kesuke Miyagi in "The Karate Kid." As 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.

His performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor. He lost to Haing S. Ngor, who won for his role in "The Killing Fields."

"The Karate Kid" was followed by three sequels. In the last, "The Next Karate Kid" in 1994, Mr. Morita's student was played by a young Hilary Swank.

Mr. Morita was prolific outside the "Karate Kid" series as well. He appeared in "Honeymoon in Vegas," "Spy Hard," "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues," "The Center of the World" and numerous other movies. He also provided the voice for a character in the animated Disney feature "Mulan" in 1998.

Born in Northern California on June 28, 1932, the son of migrant fruit pickers, Mr. 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.

After the war, Mr. Morita's family tried to repair its finances by operating a restaurant in Sacramento. It was there that Mr. Morita first tried his hand at comedy, performing for patrons.

Because prospects for a Japanese-American stand-up comic seemed poor, Mr. Morita found steady work in computers at Aerojet General. But he entered show business full time at 30 and went on to achieve considerable success in nightclubs and, later, on television.

Mr. Morita is survived by his wife and three daughters from a previous marriage.

May you rest in peace Miyagi-San.

[ThaiPauly]

I watched a film on Suday called "Green Street Hooligans" would seem that even all of the East End of London's Yob culture knew who Mr.Miyagi was, that surprised me.

A great actor

RIP