More Than Miyagi documentary trailer remembers The Karate Kid’s Pat Morita and his iconic character that is also honored in Cobra Kai
A trailer for More Than Miyagi: The Pat Morita Story was released this week as it follows the life story of late The Karate Kid star.
The nearly two-minute video featured clips from the Oscar nominated actor’s storied career as well as delved into the trials and tribulations he encountered in his personal life.
Morita died of kidney failure while awaiting a transplant at the age of 73 in November of 2005.
Legend: A trailer for More Than Miyagi: The Pat Morita Story was released this week as it follows the life story of late The Karate Kid star
Several of Morita’s friends and co-stars were shown in the trailer including The Karate Kid’s Ralph Macchio and William Zabka who also currently star in highly successful Netflix spin-off Cobra Kai.
Of Morita’s early career, Macchio said: ‘Lenny Bruce’s mother nicknamed him “The Hip Nip” but he hung on because now all of a sudden he had an angle.’
They were not the only stars interviewed as they will also be joined by Henry Winkler, James Hong, Sean Kanan, Marion ross, Esai Morales, Tommy Chong, Don Most, Anson Williams, and more.
Star: The nearly two-minute video featured clips from the Oscar nominated actor’s storied career as well as delved into the trials and tribulations he encountered in his personal life
Iconic: It then goes into his role in The Karate Kid franchise as someone could be heard saying: ‘And he created one of the iconic characters in American cinema’
Daniel san: Several of Morita’s friends and co-stars were shown in the trailer including The Karate Kid’s Ralph Macchio
Dynamic duo: Tommy Chong (left) and Henry Winkler are both featured in the film
There were several clips shown from early on in his career including talk show appearances for his stand-up comedy career, M*A*S*H, Happy Days, and Sanford And Son.
It then goes into his role in The Karate Kid franchise as someone could be heard saying: ‘And he created one of the iconic characters in American cinema.’
However things take a turn in the clip as the focus turns to the tough times in his life including his childhood.
Back in the day: There were several clips shown from early on in his career including talk show appearances for his stand-up comedy career
Legendary: Here he is starring in Sanford And Son
Zabka said: ‘I mean he was in a cast for like nine years from his knees to like his neck from childhood.’
Then they say that the day he gets out of the cast was when World War II began.
Seemingly due to childhood hardship, he struggled with depression and drinking as a few of his friends, family, and castmates recalled some of his tougher moments.
The trailer ends with several flashes of his life as Morita could be heard saying: ‘That entire chapter of my life changed me forever.’
Tribute: The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai’s William Zabka was also shown
Sad: Zabka said: ‘I mean he was in a cast for like nine years from his knees to like his neck from childhood’
Tough times: Morita seen in a wheelchair as a child
Morita starred as Noriyuki ‘Pat’ Morita in the first four The Karate Kid films from 1994 to 1994.
The film franchise has since been featured in a sequel series titled Cobra Kai which has been recently picked up by Netflix and had plenty of success.
The series has continued to honor his iconic character as his student Daniel LaRusso often visits his gravestone.
More Than Miyagi: The Pat Morita story will be available on-demand on AppleTV starting February 5.
The trailer ends with several flashes of his life as Morita could be heard saying: ‘That entire chapter of my life changed me forever.’
Streaming soon: More Than Miyagi: The Pat Morita story will be available on-demand on AppleTV starting February 5
Sweet: The series has continued to honor his iconic character as his student Daniel LaRusso often visits his gravestone