Karate Kid actor Pat Morita dies

Pat Morita started his career as a comedian

Actor Pat Morita, who was nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of Ralph Macchio's mentor Mr Miyagi in The Karate Kid, has died.

The 73-year-old died at his home in Las Vegas on Thursday of natural causes, his wife Evelyn said.

Born in California to immigrant fruit pickers, he was among the thousands of Japanese-Americans sent to internment camps during World War II.

Morita, who began his career as a comic, rose to fame in TV's Happy Days.

Sequel appearances

But it was the role in 1984's Karate Kid that would define Morita's career.

The part of a quiet caretaker who takes a bullied teenager under his wing to teach him martial arts was much spoofed in the years that followed.

Morita appeared in the film's three sequels, including 1994's the Next Karate Kid opposite a young Hilary Swank.

His other roles included Honeymoon in Vegas, Spy Hard, and Even Cowgirls get the Blues.