Pat Morita Quotes

Powerful Pat Morita for Daily Growth

About Pat Morita

Pat Morita, born Noriyuki 'Pat' Morita on June 28, 1932, in Isleton, California, was a highly influential Japanese-American actor, comedian, and martial artist, best known for his iconic role as Arnold Takahashi 'Mr. Miyagi' in the 'Karate Kid' films. Born to immigrant parents from Hiroshima, Japan, Morita spent his early years in California, where he developed a passion for comedy and martial arts. In 1946, his family was interned at the Santa Anita Race Track during World War II. This experience profoundly influenced Morita's perspective on racial discrimination and shaped his comedic style, which often revolved around humorously navigating racial stereotypes. After serving in the U.S. Army, Morita pursued a career in comedy, performing stand-up routines in nightclubs and on television shows like 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson'. However, it was his role as Arnold Miyagi that catapulted him to international fame. The character's wisdom, humor, and unconventional karate training methods resonated with audiences worldwide. Morita continued acting in films and television shows until his death on November 24, 2005. His performances in 'Golfer's Special' (1973), 'The Sandlot' (1993), and 'Little Nikko' (1988) also left lasting impacts. Despite his success, Morita remained humble and dedicated to breaking down racial barriers through his work. Pat Morita's life and work serve as a testament to the power of humor, resilience, and the ability to find joy in the face of adversity. His legacy continues to inspire artists and audiences alike.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Best thing to do with the past is take what you learned from it and apply it to your future."

This quote emphasizes the importance of learning from past experiences and applying that knowledge to shape a better future. In other words, instead of dwelling on mistakes or regrets, we should use them as lessons for growth and improvement. By doing so, we can avoid repeating past errors and create a more positive and productive path ahead.


"The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain."

This quote suggests that achieving something beautiful, like a rainbow, requires enduring challenges or hardships, symbolized by the rain. In life, we often strive for success, happiness, or personal growth, but these goals may come with difficulties, trials, or setbacks. The message is to embrace the struggles and keep moving forward because the rewards can be just as beautiful as the challenges are tough. It's a reminder that growth, improvement, and fulfillment usually require overcoming obstacles.


"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia."

This quote by Pat Morita humorously emphasizes the relativity of time across different locations on Earth. Since Australia is 16 hours ahead of New York, if it's 8 AM in New York, it would be 12:00 AM the following day (tomorrow) in Australia. The implication is that while we may fret about current events or global issues, focusing on our own immediate actions and responsibilities can have a positive impact, as tomorrow will eventually arrive for everyone, regardless of time zones.


"Never, ever pick a fight with an old man. We're like bombs - we been steady for a long time."

This quote by Pat Morita, from Miyagi in the Karate Kid series, highlights the potential danger and unpredictability of underestimating or provoking older individuals. The imagery of an old man being like a bomb that has been steady for a long time suggests that while they may appear calm and harmless, they possess a quiet strength and power that can be unexpectedly explosive if agitated. In essence, it's a warning to respect the wisdom, experience, and resilience of our elders.


"A true friend is someone who thinks you are a good egg even though he knows that you are sliced."

This quote by Pat Morita suggests that a true friend appreciates and values an individual, even if they have flaws or shortcomings. The analogy of a "good egg" implies that the person is inherently good, while "sliced" represents imperfections or mistakes. Despite these imperfections, a true friend sees the essence of goodness within the individual and continues to regard them favorably.


Hip Nip just sounds groovy. A drummer laid it on me.

- Pat Morita

Laid, Nip, Sounds, Groovy

I'm in semi-retirement, but what am I going to retire to? I don't ride horses, I don't golf anymore. I shoot a game of pool every now and then.

- Pat Morita

Game, Pool, Going, Retire

I'm awkward at these things. Just being nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Karate Kid was a real surprise and I was a little uncomfortable.

- Pat Morita

Surprise, Kid, Academy Award, Supporting

I don't know of any other creature on earth other than man that will sit in a corner and cry because of some painful experience in the past.

- Pat Morita

Some, Other, In The Past, Sit

I've been working on my autobiography, just pecking away in longhand. The more you write, the more you remember. The more you remember, the more detail you recall. It's not all pleasant!

- Pat Morita

More, Away, Been, Longhand

I began in an era where four-letter words were not allowed.

- Pat Morita

Era, Began, Were, Four-Letter

It's been a career filled with very low valleys and some wonderful, high peaks.

- Pat Morita

Some, Been, Very, Peaks

You may have heard that back in the States there are some people who are smoking grass. I don't know how you feel, but it's sure easier than cutting the stuff.

- Pat Morita

Some, May, Sure, Grass

Thanks to the Japanese and Geronimo, John Wayne became a millionaire.

- Pat Morita

Thanks, John Wayne, Became, Wayne

I never was able to do karate. That's calling me a good actor. I act like I can do anything.

- Pat Morita

Good, I Can, Like, Calling

The idea of a Japanese comedian was not only a rarity, it was non-existent.

- Pat Morita

Only, Idea, Japanese, Comedian

Only in America could you get away with the kind of comedy I did.

- Pat Morita

Kind, Away, Could, Comedy

I went from being an ailing child to a public enemy.

- Pat Morita

Child, Public, Being, Enemy

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