The film industry lost one of its most recognizable and beloved icons yesterday, as Noriyuki ‘Pat’ Morita passed away at the age of 73. The Oscar nominated actor, best known as the strict, but wise mentor in the Karate Kid series, died of natural causes at his home in Las Vegas.

Before hitting the big screen, Morita got his start as a stand up comedian known as “The Hip Nip” in nightclubs and bars. His first movie appearance was Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967) as “Oriental #2″. Taking to the acting scene like a fish to water, he began cropping up in comedy features like The Shakiest Gun in the West (1968), and television shows like “M*A*S*H” (1972). It was TV, rather than film, that gave him a more well-known presence after being cast as restaurant owner “Arnold” on Happy Days for the 1975-76 season, and again in 1982-83. He also had appearances on other popular programs such as Magnum, P.I. (1980), Murder, She Wrote (1984), Baywatch (1989) & The Hughleys (1998).

Following 1984’s The Karate Kid, and subsequent sequels in 1986 and 1989, Morita did not disappear following his fifteen minutes of fame, but kept busy with a great number of film projects, including lending voice talent to Disney’s 1998 hit Mulan (he was the voice of the Emperor in case you’re wondering). His last completed role that I’m aware of is Angst, now in post-production and due out 2006.