--- name: "Pat Morita" canonical: "https://film.one/person/pat-morita" fi1m_id: "pat-morita" imdb_id: "nm0001552" tmdb_id: 23915 wikidata_id: "Q298799" roles: ["Actor"] born: "28 June 1932" died: "24 November 2005" reviewed_on_fi1m: 3 average_fi1m_score: 72 average_as: "actor" average_over: 3 updated: "2026-10-04T19:27:57.796991+00:00" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Pat Morita ## Identity Pat Morita - **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/pat-morita - **Type:** Person - **Fi1m ID:** pat-morita - **IMDb ID:** nm0001552 - **TMDB ID:** 23915 - **Wikidata ID:** Q298799 - **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_Morita, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q298799, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001552/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/23915 Actor. Born 28 June 1932 in Isleton, California, USA. Died 24 November 2005. ## Details - **Work:** Actor - **Born:** 28 June 1932, Isleton, California, USA - **Died:** 24 November 2005 - **Active:** 1984–1999 - **Also known as:** Noriyuki 'Pat' Morita, Patrick N. Morita, Pat Noriyuki Morita, Noriyuki Morita, Noryuki 'Pat' Morita, 森田则之, پت موریتا - **Frequently works with:** [Jerry Weintraub](https://film.one/person/jerry-weintraub.md), [John G. Avildsen](https://film.one/person/john-g-avildsen.md), [Ralph Macchio](https://film.one/person/ralph-macchio.md), [Robert Mark Kamen](https://film.one/person/robert-mark-kamen.md) - **Academy Awards:** 1 Oscar nomination - **Average Fi1m score:** 72, as actor, over 3 titles - **Fi1m score by decade:** 1980s 72 (2), 1990s 74 (1) - **Score spread:** 1 at 80+, 2 at 60–79, 0 under 60 - **Lead roles:** 2 of 3 acting credits billed first or second - **Genres:** Family 3, Action 2, Adventure 2, Drama 2, Animation 1, Romance 1 - **Screen time:** 5 hours of reviewed films - **Box office:** $511m across 3 films with figures - **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_Morita, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q298799, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001552/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/23915 ## Streaming the US now - **Netflix:** [*The Karate Kid*](https://film.one/film/the-karate-kid.md) (81), [*The Karate Kid Part II*](https://film.one/film/the-karate-kid-part-ii.md) (62) - **Disney+:** [*Mulan*](https://film.one/film/mulan.md) (74) For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country. ## Fi1m on Pat Morita > Pat Morita makes a teacher’s patience worth watching, with comic timing that keeps Miyagi from becoming unbearably wise. The friendship in *The Karate Kid* earns its sentiment, though Morita deserved more varied parts. In *The Karate Kid* (1984), Pat Morita gives Ralph Macchio’s restless Daniel time to be awkward. His Miyagi listens, and Morita lets the teacher be funny without making him a joke. We were moved by the patience he gives the boy, because being taken seriously matters here before any fighting does. Both actors allow hesitation and irritation into the friendship, so its affection feels earned rather than arranged. His route through comedy helps explain the lightness of that authority. Stand-up preceded television roles, including diner owner Arnold Takahashi in *Happy Days* (from 1975). The film breakthrough with Miyagi put that comic timing to use in a teacher who could easily have become solemn. Morita uses a constructed Japanese accent for the part, but the pauses and the willingness to listen are what make the performance persuasive. James Crabe’s cinematography helps by keeping the two actors readable together, with Macchio’s restlessness set against Morita’s stillness. It leaves us free to notice how each responds to the other. William J. Cassidy’s production design keeps Daniel’s troubles within a recognisable everyday life, giving the friendship somewhere credible to develop. That modest scale suits a performance which never needs to advertise its kindness. The limits are in the parts he was repeatedly asked to play. Miyagi belongs to a familiar pattern of the wise Asian mentor, and Morita’s warmth does not remove that restriction. He returned to the character in three sequels, including *The Karate Kid Part II* (1986) and *The Next Karate Kid* (1994), then voiced the Emperor in *Mulan* (1998). Those credits show how often he was wanted to supply authority; they leave us wishing for more opportunities to see his comic experience used differently. For a first encounter, we would choose *The Karate Kid*, allowing for teenage distractions that could be shorter. There is no need to be interested in karate to care about their lessons. Watch Morita when Macchio is talking. ## Biography Noriyuki 'Pat' Morita (28 June 1932 – 24 November 2005) was an American actor of Japanese descent. He was born in Isleton, California, and began his career as a stand-up comedian before appearing in television series such as Sanford and Son and Happy Days, where he played Matsuo 'Arnold' Takahashi. Morita gained international recognition for his role as the karate master Mr Miyagi in The Karate Kid (1984). He reprised the part in The Karate Kid Part II (1986), The Karate Kid Part III (1989) and The Next Karate Kid (1994). For the original film he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, becoming the first Asian American nominated in that category. His other notable work includes voicing the Emperor of China in the animated films Mulan (1998) and Mulan II (2004), and guest appearances in series such as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Married... with Children. *Sources: en.wikipedia.org, britannica.com, encyclopedia.densho.org, imdb.com.* ## On Fi1m (3) - *Mulan* (1998), Fi1m 74, as The Emperor (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/mulan.md) - *The Karate Kid Part II* (1986), Fi1m 62, as Miyagi — [page](https://film.one/film/the-karate-kid-part-ii.md) - *The Karate Kid* (1984), Fi1m 81, as Miyagi — [page](https://film.one/film/the-karate-kid.md) ## Complete filmography (149) Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page. - *Cobra Kai* (2018), series, as Nariyoshi Miyagi (archive footage) — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/tv/cobra-kai.md) - *John G. Avildsen: King of the Underdogs* (2017), Actor - *Rice Girl* (2014), as Peter Ong - *Blunt Movie* (2013), as Mr. Miyami - *Act Your Age* (2011), as Tom - *Remove All Obstacles* (2010), as The Guru - *2Everything2Terrible2: Tokyo Drift* (2010), as (archive footage) - *Royal Kill* (2009), as Exhibition Manager - *Only the Brave* (2006), as Seigo Takata - *The Karate Dog* (2006), as Chin Li - *The Number One Girl* (2006), as Mr. Sakata - *18 Fingers of Death!* (2006), as Freeman Lee - *Spymate* (2006), as Kiro - *Down and Derby* (2005), as Ono Yakimoto - *American Fusion* (2005), as Lao Dong - *Mulan II* (2004), as The Emperor (voice) - *Elvis Has Left the Building* (2004), as Man in Turban - *Volcano High [MTV's Rapper Dub]* (2003), as Vice Principal Jang Hak-sa (renamed Ko) - *High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story* (2003), as Mr. Leo - *The Stoneman* (2002), as Prof. Stevens - *The Biggest Fan* (2002), as Richard Limp - *Hammerlock* (2002), as Un Huong Lo - *Shadow Fury* (2001), as Dr. Oh - *The Center of the World* (2001), as Taxi Driver - *The Boys of Sunset Ridge* (2001), as Charlie Watanabe - *House of Luk* (2001), as Kwang Luk - *Brother* (2000), as Guy at the Poker Table - *Son of the Beach* (2000), series, Actor - *Talk to Taka* (2000), as Taka - *Inferno* (1999), as Jubal Early - *King Cobra* (1999), as Nick Hashimoto - *SpongeBob SquarePants* (1999), series, as Master Udon (voice) · In Memory Of - *I'll Remember April* (1999), as Abe Tanaka - *Gone to Maui* (1999), as Mr. Ono - *The Hughleys* (1998), series, as Mr. Park - *Mulan* (1998), as The Emperor (voice) — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/film/mulan.md) - *Reflections on Ice: Michelle Kwan Skates to the Music of Disney's 'Mulan'* (1998), as Emperor / Narrator (voice) - *Adventures with Kanga Roddy* (1998), series, as Uncle Pat - *Captured Alive* (1997), Actor - *Earth Minus Zero* (1997), as Dr. Mobius Jefferson - *Fast Track* (1997), series, Actor - *Beyond Barbed Wire* (1997), as Narrator (voice) - *Bloodsport III* (1996), as David Leung - *Reggie's Prayer* (1996), as Principal Osaki - *Spy Hard* (1996), as Brian, Waiter in Restaurant - *The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo* (1996), series, as Mike Woo - *Bloodsport II* (1996), as David Leung - *Lamb Chop's Special Chanukah* (1995), as Pat / Super Ninja - *Caroline in the City* (1995), series, as Mr. Chu - *The Outer Limits* (1995), series, as Michael Chen - *Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child* (1995), series, as King Makahana (voice) - *Hart to Hart: Secrets of the Hart* (1995), as Ling Goldberg - *Timemaster* (1995), as Isaiah - *The Misery Brothers* (1995), as Judge - *One West Waikiki* (1994), series, Actor - *The Next Karate Kid* (1994), as Miyagi - *Greyhounds* (1994), as Akira Mochizuki - *Even Cowgirls Get the Blues* (1994), as The Chink - *Burke's Law* (1994), series, as Boots McKay - *Diagnosis: Murder* (1993), series, as Martin Gaylord - *Boy Meets World* (1993), series, as Wise Man - *Dave's World* (1993), series, as Hardware Store Owner - *American Ninja 5* (1993), as Master Tetsu - *Living and Working in Space: The Countdown Has Begun* (1993), as Cap - *Space Rangers* (1993), series, as Nazzer - *Mastergate* (1992), as Senator Naito - *Auntie Lee's Meat Pies* (1992), as Chief Koal - *Miracle Beach* (1992), as Gus - *Honeymoon in Vegas* (1992), as Mahi Mahi - *Goodbye Paradise* (1991), as Ben - *Lena's Holiday* (1991), as Fred - *Britannica's Tales Around the World: Hansel and Gretel* (1991), as Host - *Do or Die* (1991), as Masakana 'Kane' Kaneshiro - *Strawberry Road* (1991), as Old man's brother - *Harry and the Hendersons* (1991), series, as Kenji Sawara - *Britannica Presents Tales Around the World: Cinderella* (1991), as Host - *Britannica's Fairy Tales From Around the World* (1990), series, as Narrator - *The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air* (1990), series, as Mr. Yoshi - *Hiroshima: Out of the Ashes* (1990), as Yoodo Toda - *Britannica Presents Beauty and the Beast* (1990), as host - *Family Matters* (1989), series, as Mr. Tanaka - *The Karate Kid Part III* (1989), as Mr. Miyagi - *Collision Course* (1989), as Investigator Fujitsuka Natsuo - *Big Bird in Japan* (1988), as Bamboo Princess Story Narrator (voice) - *Captive Hearts* (1987), as Fukushima · Screenplay - *Married... with Children* (1987), series, as Mr. Shimokawa - *Ohara* (1987), series, as Lt. Ohara · Creator - *Babes in Toyland* (1986), as The Toymaster - *The Karate Kid Part II* (1986), as Miyagi — Fi1m 62, [page](https://film.one/film/the-karate-kid-part-ii.md) - *Alice in Wonderland* (1985), series, as Horse - *Amos* (1985), as Tommy Tanaka - *The Vegas Strip War* (1984), as Yip Tak - *Night Patrol* (1984), as Rape Victim - *Murder, She Wrote* (1984), series, as Akira Hitaki - *The Karate Kid* (1984), as Miyagi — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/film/the-karate-kid.md) - *Dance of Tears* (1984), as (voice) - *Slapstick of Another Kind* (1982), as Ah Fong, the Chinese Ambassador - *Jimmy the Kid* (1982), as Maurice - *Savannah Smiles* (1982), as Father O'Hara - *Full Moon High* (1981), as The Silversmith - *Crash Island* (1981), as Kazi Yamamora - *Aloha Paradise* (1981), series, as Dr. Nakamura - *Magnum, P.I.* (1980), series, as Jack Metro - *Hito Hata: Raise the Banner* (1980), as Yamada - *For the Love of It* (1980), as Ishihara - *When Time Ran Out...* (1980), as Sam - *Young Guy Christian* (1979), as Professor Mishugi - *Human Feelings* (1978), as Waiter - *The Incredible Hulk* (1977), series, as Fred - *The Love Boat* (1977), series, as Vincent, Mr. Yamashiro - *Man from Atlantis* (1977), series, as Moby - *Lou Grant* (1977), series, as Ike Tatsumi - *The Kallikaks* (1977), series, Actor - *Mr. T and Tina* (1976), series, Actor - *Midway* (1976), as Rear Admiral Ryunosuke Kusaka - *Farewell to Manzanar* (1976), as Zenahiro - *Laverne & Shirley* (1976), series, Actor - *I Wonder Who's Killing Her Now?* (1975), as Heshy Yamamoto - *Starsky & Hutch* (1975), series, as Jewelry Store Owner - *Welcome Back, Kotter* (1975), series, as Taro Takahashi - *Punch and Jody* (1974), as Takahasi - *Police Woman* (1974), series, as Mike Matsuto - *Chico and the Man* (1974), series, as Pat Yamaguchi - *Happy Days* (1974), series, as Arnold - *Brock's Last Case* (1973), as Sam Wong - *Kung Fu* (1972), series, as Arthur Chen - *Cancel My Reservation* (1972), as Yamamoto - *M*A*S*H* (1972), series, as Captain Sam Pak — Fi1m 85, [page](https://film.one/tv/m-a-s-h-1972.md) - *The Bob Newhart Show* (1972), series, as The Bartender - *Where Does It Hurt?* (1972), as Harry Nishimoto - *A Very Missing Person* (1972), as Delmar Faulkenstein - *Evil Roy Slade* (1972), as Turhan - *Sanford and Son* (1972), series, as Ah Chew - *Columbo* (1971), series, as House Boy — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/tv/columbo.md) - *Cannon* (1971), series, Actor - *The Odd Couple* (1970), series, as Mr. Wing - *McCloud* (1970), series, Actor - *Nanny and the Professor* (1970), series, as Jason Wong - *Love, American Style* (1969), series, as Bellhop, Kam, Ah So - *The Courtship of Eddie's Father* (1969), series, as Duke Komosori - *The Bill Cosby Show* (1969), series, as Tree Surgeon - *Hawaii Five-O* (1969), series, as Phoebe - *Blondie* (1968), series, as Manny - *The Outsider* (1968), series, Actor - *The Shakiest Gun in the West* (1968), as Wong - *Thoroughly Modern Millie* (1967), as Oriental #2 - *Green Acres* (1965), series, as Charlie Lee - *Car Thieves* (1964), as Komugi - *Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.* (1964), series, as Chris Yamato ## Gallery - ![Actor Mako (fourth from left in truck) on location for John Korty's 1976 film, "Farewell to Manzanar." photo by Nancy Wong (2002)](https://film.one/media/person/118102/gallery-99a012fdb9ad.jpg) Actor Mako (fourth from left in truck) on location for John Korty's 1976 film, "Farewell to Manzanar." photo by Nancy Wong (2002) — Nancy Wong, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6b/FAREWELLTOMANZANAR1976.jpg/1280px-FAREWELLTOMANZANAR1976.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) - ![Photo of Arnold's wedding from Happy Days. Arnold (the original owner of Arnold's drive-in) asks Fonzie to be his best man at his traditional Japanese wedding c (1976)](https://film.one/media/person/118102/gallery-c383a3de9ff6.jpg) Photo of Arnold's wedding from Happy Days. Arnold (the original owner of Arnold's drive-in) asks Fonzie to be his best man at his traditional Japanese wedding c (1976) — ABC Television, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/Happy_Days_Arnold%27s_Wedding_1976.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled) - ![Pat Morita](https://film.one/media/person/118102/gallery-28596ab27def.jpg) Pat Morita — Kingkongphoto & www.celebrity-photos.com from Laurel Maryland, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/67/Pat_Morita.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled) - ![Pat Morita](https://film.one/media/person/118102/gallery-d05643c3c2c7.jpg) Pat Morita — Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4f/Pat_Morita_%28handprints_in_cement%29.jpg/1280px-Pat_Morita_%28handprints_in_cement%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) - ![Pat Morita](https://film.one/media/person/118102/gallery-8511a6807bce.jpg) Pat Morita — Image via TMDB - ![This is an original press photo. Pat Morita will be headlining at Mister Kelly's along with Brothers Cain. Intended for publication in the February 12, 1971 Chi](https://film.one/media/person/118102/gallery-d95d0e8ff241.jpg) This is an original press photo. Pat Morita will be headlining at Mister Kelly's along with Brothers Cain. Intended for publication in the February 12, 1971 Chi — George E. Marienthal Enterprises, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/43/Pat_Morita_1971_publicity_photo.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled) ## Awards ### Academy Awards — 0 won, 1 nominated - 1985: Best Supporting Actor (nominated), for *The Karate Kid* ### Other awards — 0 won, 1 nominated - Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actor - Razzie Award 1990: Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actor - Razzie Award (nominated), for *The Karate Kid Part III* *From Wikidata, which records wins more completely than nominations.* --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/pat-morita