Pat Morita was an iconic actor who starred in numerous movies and TV shows throughout his career. He was widely recognized for his role as Mr. Miyagi in the Karate Kid movie series. In this article, we will explore the ethnicity and personal life of this beloved actor.
Ethnicity and Ethnic Background:
Pat Morita was born in California, USA, in 1932 to Japanese immigrant parents. His parents were Issei, which means they were first-generation immigrants from Japan. This made Morita a Nisei, which refers to the second generation of Japanese Americans.
Body Measurement:
| Height | Weight | Body Type | Hair Color | Body Color | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5′ 3″ | 125 lbs | Slim | Black | Olive | 81 |
Nationality and Race:
As Morita was born and raised in the United States, he was an American citizen. In terms of race, he was of Japanese descent.
Parents:
Morita’s parents were both immigrants from Japan. His father, Tamaru, arrived in San Francisco in 1915, while his mother, Momoe, came to the United States in 1920.
Childhood:
Morita had a difficult childhood. When he was two years old, he contracted spinal tuberculosis and was placed in a sanitarium for several years. During this time, he was separated from his family and was unable to walk until he was nine years old.
Family:
Morita was married three times. His first marriage was to Kathleen Yamachi in 1953, and they had two daughters together. He then married Yukiye Kitahara in 1970, but they divorced in 1988. In 1990, he married Evelyn Guerrero, and they remained together until his death in 2005.
Personal Life:
Morita was known for his struggle with alcoholism, which began after he sustained an injury during a 1964 comedy tour. He later went through rehab and became sober. Morita was also a long-time supporter of the Little Tokyo community in Los Angeles and was involved in numerous charitable organizations.
Career:
Morita began his acting career in the 1960s, appearing in various TV shows and movies. He gained widespread recognition for his role as Arnold in the TV show Happy Days. However, it was his role as Mr. Miyagi in the Karate Kid movies that made him a household name. He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the first Karate Kid movie. Morita continued to act in movies and TV shows until his death in 2005.
Conclusion:
Pat Morita was a talented actor who made a significant impact on the entertainment industry. Despite his difficult childhood and struggles with alcoholism, he persevered and became a beloved figure to many. Morita’s legacy continues to live on through his iconic roles and the charitable work he did throughout his life.
