Famous Freemason - Noriyuki Morita

Wax on, wax off.

Bro. Noriyuki "Pat" Morita was born on June 28th, 1932 in Isleton, California. At the age of two he developed spinal tuberculosis. He spent the next 9 years in and out of hospitals. Several times he was told he'd probably never walk again. Among the hospitals he was treated, was the Shriner's Hospital in San Francisco. It was from there he was taken to rejoin his family in Arizona at a Japanese interment camp during World War II.

In the early 70's Morita began appearing on Television. Starting with the television series M*A*S*H where he had a recurring role as a South Korean officer. He also appeared on Sanford and Son and on two seasons of Happy Days as recurring characters. In 1984 Bro. Morita landed his most famous role in film as Keisuke Miyagi (Mr. Miyagi) in the Karate Kid, as well as the three sequels.

Morita's film and television career lasted until the time of his passing in 2005. His final television "appearance" was as the voice of Master Udon on the animated series Sponge Bob Square Pants. The episode was dedicated to Morita as it aired 6 months after he passed away.

Bro. Morita passed away at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada from kidney failure. He passed away on November 24th, 2005.