Prior to his breakthrough, Morita often had to accept roles that he found demeaning or culturally insensitive. Opportunities for Asian-American actors were scarce during the early decades of his career, and much of the representation available was limited or stereotypical. Nevertheless, he persevered and used his early experiences to fuel performances that challenged these norms.
Morita's enduring popularity continues through the legacy of The Karate Kid franchise, particularly for his embodiment of mentorship, discipline, and cross-cultural understanding. His role as Mr. Miyagi remains a touchstone in popular culture and a pioneering moment for representation in the film industry.
Pat Morita passed away on November 24, 2005, at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada. His contributions to film and television, especially in elevating the visibility of Asian-American actors, remain an integral part of his legacy. Through roles such as Arnold Takahashi and Mr. Miyagi, he left an indelible mark on Hollywood and on audiences worldwide.
Return to the previous page| Profession: | American film actor |
| Children: | Tia Morita, Aly Morita, Erin Morita |
| Date of Birth: | June 28, 1932 |
| Nationality: | American |
| Birth Place: | Isleton, CA |
| Net Worth 2021: | 5 million |
