Shane361
Well-Known Member
I don't know where I have been "maybe deployed" but I never heard that he died! Someone "bumped" a really old thread and I almost posted this as if he JUST DIED! I also never put together he was the cook on Happy Days! Wax on Wax Off.....still missed:adore:
1932-2005: Karate Kid's 'Mr. Miyagi'
November 25, 2005
Japanese-American actor PAT MORITA, who immortalized the phrase "Wax on, wax off" in the original 'Karate Kid' movie, died Thursday at his home in Las Vegas of natural causes. His wife said in a statement that her husband had "dedicated his entire life to acting and comedy." He was 73. Born in northern California to migrant fruit pickers, he worked in computers and dabbled in stand-up before pursuing showbiz full-time at age 30. He was cast on TV's "Happy Days" as diner-owner Matsuo 'Arnold' Takahashi and eventually appeared in more than 90 films, including 'Honeymoon in Vegas.' But it was his turn as gentle karate mentor Kesuke Miyagi to RALPH MACCHIO's "Daniel-San" in the 1984 coming-of-age movie that became his signature role. He landed an Oscar nomination for the part and followed it up with three more sequels, and even 'The Karate Dog' in 2004. He is survived by his wife and three children.
1932-2005: Karate Kid's 'Mr. Miyagi'
November 25, 2005
Japanese-American actor PAT MORITA, who immortalized the phrase "Wax on, wax off" in the original 'Karate Kid' movie, died Thursday at his home in Las Vegas of natural causes. His wife said in a statement that her husband had "dedicated his entire life to acting and comedy." He was 73. Born in northern California to migrant fruit pickers, he worked in computers and dabbled in stand-up before pursuing showbiz full-time at age 30. He was cast on TV's "Happy Days" as diner-owner Matsuo 'Arnold' Takahashi and eventually appeared in more than 90 films, including 'Honeymoon in Vegas.' But it was his turn as gentle karate mentor Kesuke Miyagi to RALPH MACCHIO's "Daniel-San" in the 1984 coming-of-age movie that became his signature role. He landed an Oscar nomination for the part and followed it up with three more sequels, and even 'The Karate Dog' in 2004. He is survived by his wife and three children.
