The Tragic Real-Life Story Of The Actor Who Played Mr. Miyagi

“The Karate Kid” is a classic from the 1980s, and one of the defining facets of the movie was the unforgettable performance by Pat Morita. The Japanese-American actor got his start in stand-up and transitioned to TV and film over the course of his career. But it was his performance as Mr. Miyagi that changed his life forever.

However, Morita’s success wasn’t easily earned. From his childhood illness that almost ended his life, his family’s time in a Japanese internment camp during World War II, and his struggles with alcoholism, the celebrated actor had to fight for each of his successes. Here is the tragic real-life story of the actor who played Mr. Miyagi.

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A childhood disease | 0:00
Using humor as a coping mechanism | 0:52
An imprisoned family | 1:16
Trying his hand at comedy | 1:50
Breaking into the mainstream | 2:47
Morita nearly missed out on his most iconic role | 3:37
Morita's later roles | 4:33
Earning "a little place in history" | 5:28
Morita's impressive legacy | 6:10

Read full article: https://www.looper.com/361887/the-tragic-real-life-story-of-the-actor-who-played-mr-miyagi/