Pat Morita was a Japanese-American actor and comedian, best known for his role as Mr. Miyagi in the popular film series, The Karate Kid. Born on June 28, 1932, in Isleton, California, he began his career in stand-up comedy before transitioning to television and film. Morita's portrayal of Mr. Miyagi earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He also starred in the television series Happy Days as Arnold, the owner of the diner where the characters often gathered. Morita's contributions to entertainment have left a lasting impact, particularly in the representation of Asian Americans in Hollywood.