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October 2004 Newsletter : : Behind The Scenes : : Meet The Artist : : FAQ


Meet the Artist: Noriyuki "Pat" Morita - Beyond Mr. Miyagi

Noriyuki "Pat" Morita has gone far beyond the expectations of many. He is most well known worldwide for his portrayal of the wise and caring master, Mr. Miyagi, in the "Karate Kid I, II, III" trilogy. Like many other actors, Morita has his own collection of struggle-tales to tell. His journey eventually led to a Star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame in 1994, which in Morita's own words "is not bad for a kid they said would never walk again."

Born in Isleton, California, Morita's strive to the Hollywood Walk of Fame began as a true physical challenge. At the young age of two, Morita was hospitalized for nine years with spinal tuberculosis until he was eventually transferred to a San Francisco hospital where he learned to walk. After beating this physical challenge, Morita joined his parents at Gila River Internment Center, along with tens of thousands of Japanese-Americans who were incarcerated during World War II. While he was able to attend high school, work as a part-time fruit picker, and help out at his family's Chinese restaurant after release in late 1945, his life was by no means smooth sailing hence on.

At the age of 22, Morita once again faced adversity when his father was tragically killed in a hit-and-run incident. Unlike many actors who knew of their aspirations at an early age, Morita did not consider taking a role in show business until he was 30. At that time, he realized he had hit the ceiling in the aerospace company for which he worked.

Morita began his career as a nite-club MC/comedian. His talents were soon recognized and within five years, he toured around the country and played at the most prestigious clubs and theaters including the Copacabana, the Apollo Theatre and Carnegie Hall. One thing led to another as Morita landed numerous television roles. For many years, Morita was known in households across America as Arnold in the long running series Happy Days. In fact, Arnold will once again appear in an upcoming show Happy Days Reunion.

Morita's list of talents is as long as his list of credits. Aside from appearing in films like Thoroughly Modern Milli, Savannah Smiles and Slapstick, Morita starred in his own production of Shiatsu with Pat Morita. In this home video, Morita shares with audiences a step-by-step approach to this form of massage therapy. Amongst his numerous hobbies, singing the National Anthem is one he takes seriously. He has appeared in ballparks, fight and basketball arenas across the country.

While he isn't touring his National Anthem as much as he used to, he might just surprise audiences at Second Generation's Concert of Excellence on November 22, 2004 where he will be receive the X.O. Excellence Award for his achievements.