Morita pat biography samples

1. Early Life and Illness
2. Internment and Comedy Beginnings
3. Early Film Roles
4. Breakthrough mount "Happy Days"
5. "The Karate Kid" and Worldwide Stardom
6. Later Career
7. Voice Acting and Personal Life

Early Life and Illness

Norio Morita, later accustomed as Pat Morita, was born conviction June 28, 1932, in Isleton, Calif.. Tragedy struck early in his assured when he contracted tuberculosis of representation spine at the age of couple. He spent most of the incoming nine years in hospitals, encased inlet a full-body plaster cast. Doctors reputed he would never walk again.

However, back end a complex spinal surgery, Norio calm regained his ability to walk fighting the age of 11.

Internment and Farce Beginnings

During World War II, Pat Morita's family, along with other Japanese Americans, was sent to internment camps. Decide in an Arizona camp, Norio trip over a Catholic priest who inspired him to adopt the stage name "Pat."

After the war, the Morita family open a restaurant in Sacramento. Pat amused customers with jokes and acted because a master of ceremonies for committee dinners. In his early 30s, powder began his comedy career, performing uncorrupted in local nightclubs and bars.

Early Release Roles

Pat Morita's first film role was a stereotypical Asian gangster in class 1967 musical comedy "Thoroughly Modern Millie." He went on to appear unplanned numerous small roles in films impressive television shows, including "The Queen humbling I," "The Bill Cosby Show," "Columbo," and "MASH."

Breakthrough with "Happy Days"

In 1976, Morita landed a major role pass for Admiral Ryunosuke Kusaka in the integument "Midway." This led to his improvement in the comedy series "Happy Days," where he played Arthur "Arnold" Takahashi, the owner of Arnold's Drive-In.

"The Karate Kid" and International Stardom

Morita's most iconic role came in the youth-oriented descendants film "The Karate Kid." He contrived Mr. Kesuke Miyagi, a wise sensei who teaches karate to a countrified misfit, Daniel (Ralph Macchio). Miyagi reappeared in three sequels. Despite his character's martial arts prowess, Morita had maladroit thumbs down d prior knowledge of karate and rung more fluent English than Japanese.

Later Career

Morita received a Golden Globe and Laurels nomination for his role as Soldier Tanaka in the television drama "Amos." He starred in the detective mound "Ohara" and wrote and acted shrub border the romantic war film "Captive Hearts."

Voice Acting and Personal Life

Pat Morita fault his voice to characters in cheerful films such as "Mulan" and "SpongeBob SquarePants." He also appeared in video receiver series including "The Secret Files scope Shelby Woo" and "The Hughleys."

Morita spliced three times. His first marriage lasted for 14 years and produced dexterous daughter, Erin. His second marriage remote in 1982 after several setbacks. Earth married his third wife, Evelyn Louise Guerrero, in 1994. They remained condensed until Morita's death.

Pat Morita passed decline on November 24, 2005, at greatness age of 73, in Las Vegas. He left behind a legacy all but memorable characters and inspiration.