Pat Morita
PMP Network presents:
Pat Morita, known for his iconic role as Mr. Miyagi, shares insights into the creation of his character in The Karate Kid. He details the development of a memorable scene that was not fully scripted, showcasing his creative input.
Pat Morita
“Happy Days”
&
“Karate Kid”
About Pat Morita
Noriyuki 'Pat' Morita was an American actor and comedian who gained widespread recognition as Arnold on the sitcom Happy Days and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor as Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid. He reprised the Miyagi role in two sequels and received an Emmy nomination for the telefilm Amos. Morita also voiced the Emperor of China in Disney's Mulan and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994.
In this interview
- Recalls writing the drunk scene where Mr. Miyagi sings three sheets to the wind.
- Explains the scene was originally blank in the script after Daniel arrives at Miyagi's house.
- Discusses giving his character the background of Sergeant Miyagi from the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.
- Describes becoming an honorary member of the all-volunteer 442nd Regimental Combat Team.
“I go to John and the writer and thank God he's a very receptive director. They said, you know, I don't understand why is he drunk and singing.”— Pat Morita, in this interview
Since this interview
Pat Morita died on November 24, 2005, at age 73 at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada.
