Kathleen Yamachi is best known as the first wife of actor-comedian legend Pat Morita, who starred as Mr. Miyagi in the series of films “The Karate Kid.” Though associated with a Hollywood legend, Kathleen has spent most of her life out of the limelight. This article tries to provide whatever basic information is available about Kathleen Yamachi and her relationship with Pat Morita, along with whatever else is known about her life.
Kathleen Yamachi was born in the United States, though very little information is available about her early life and background. She married Noriyuki “Pat” Morita on 13 December 1953, at the very beginning of Morita’s entertainment career. At the time, Morita was far from a household name; he was hustling to try and make a big name for himself in Hollywood.
The couple remained in marriage for 16 years, during which Morita’s acting career slowly gained momentum. But the marriage came to an end with a divorce in 1967, several years before Morita’s breakout performance in Mr. Miyagi. They had one daughter, Erin Morita.
Life After Divorce
Not much of her life after divorce is known to the public, such as what she did for a living, whether she got married again, or anything related to her net worth. Kathleen Yamachi kept a low profile after divorcing Pat Morita. She never sought the public eye like her ex-spouse did. The meager details about Kathleen are because she stayed out of the public eye.
On the other hand, Pat Morita went on to marry two more times. He married Yukiye Kitahara in 1970. He divorced her in 1989, after divorcing Kathleen. He went on to marry Evelyn Guerrero, whom he stayed with until his death in 2005.
Kathleen Yamachi’s ex-Husband
Born Noriyuki Morita on June 28, 1932, in Isleton, California, Pat Morita was an American actor and comedian best known for his role as Mr. Miyagi in “The Karate Kid” series. Prior to this iconic portrayal, Morita had started off as a stand-up comedian before he made his mark in television from the sitcom “Happy Days,” where he played diner owner Matsuo “Arnold” Takahashi. Though sickly in childhood, including a long-time fight with spinal tuberculosis, Morita’s irrepressible will took him through to make him an appealing star of many a home in Hollywood. He was thrice married: first, to Kathleen Yamachi from 1953-1967. After that, he wedded Yukiye Kitahara and Evelyn Guerrero. Morita’s work brought him a nomination for an Academy Award, securing his place in history as a cultural icon. He died on November 24, 2005, at the age of 73, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Legacy of Kathleen Yamachi
Although Kathleen Yamachi might not be a very significant name by herself, she was an important element in the early life and early career of Pat Morita. Their marriage took place during a time of flailing and survival for Morita, a time in which he was still finding his bearings in the world of entertainment. Their marriage failed, but it was a very important time in both their lives.
Much about Kathleen Yamachi remains private because, as a private citizen, her net worth and personal life are not publicized. What is obvious, nevertheless, is that she was an essential element in the progress of Pat Morita before he became the beloved character millions around the world recognize today.
Conclusion
The story of Kathleen Yamachi is one of quiet dignity. While her ex-husband, Pat Morita, moved on to stardom and fame, she opted for life outside the limelight. Her marriage to Morita was part of his vital life, but after the break-up, she sort of kept her personal life out of the limelight, mysterious and a character to be taken seriously. Even though most of her life remains behind closed doors, Kathleen Yamachi’s association with the late Pat Morita is good enough for her name to be etched in history as one related to one of the most endearing actors Hollywood has ever produced.
