Pat Morita Biography

Pat Morita

(Noriyuki Morita)
actor
Born: 8/28/1932
Birthplace: Berkeley, California

This Japanese-American actor, who lived in a Japanese internment camp during World War II, programmed computers before becoming a standup comic. After stints in nightclubs and on TV variety shows, he acted in films such as Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967) and Midway (1976). He won an Oscar nomination for his role as karate instructor in The Karate Kid (1984), a part he reprised in its sequels. His TV roles include Arnold (1975–76, 1982–83) in the series Happy Days and star of the detective series Ohara (1987–88). His other films include Even Cowgirls Get the Blues (1994) and Elvis Has Left the Building (2004).

Died: Las Vegas, 11/24/2005