Kathleen Yamachi Personal Life, Relationships, & More

Kathleen Yamachi rose to fame as the ex-wife of the late actor and comedian Noriyuki Morita, also known as Pat Morita. Morita was famously called “Mr. Miyagi” from the 1980s movie series “The Karate Kid.” After their separation, Kathleen Yamachi faded away from the media spotlight. Keep on reading to find out more about the first wife of Pat Morita.

Personal life of Yamachi

Kathleen Yamachi was born in 1931 in Los Angeles, California, and was of Japanese American descent with the Japanese father and an American mother. As an infant, young Maggie’s family moved to Japan, where they stayed for 10 years. She and her family moved back to the US in 1941.

Kathleen and Pat met in 1948 when Pat was performing at a local club in Los Angeles. The two quickly developed a strong bond and were married in 1953. After 14 years of being together, the couple decided to part ways in 1967.

Career of Yamachi

Kathleen Yamachi was once a well-known fashion designer. She eventually became a businesswoman with her own brand name and company after being in the fashion industry for twenty years. After her separation from Morita, Yamachi remarried and had three children.

Kathleen Yamachi was an avid supporter of the arts. She was a member of the International Arts Council and was involved in the design and production of numerous theatrical productions. Kathleen was also a board member of the Las Vegas Arts Council and served as a board member for the Las Vegas Arts Museum.

Kathleen was also a patron of the performing arts, attending many theatrical performances and concerts. She was a member of the Las Vegas Ballet Company and was a frequent patron of the Las Vegas Philharmonic Orchestra.

Kathleen was an advocate for the arts and culture in Las Vegas, helping to bring national attention to the city’s artistic scene. She was a vocal advocate for the Las Vegas Arts District, a revitalized area of the city that focuses on art and culture.

Philanthropic works

Kathleen was also a humanitarian, donating to numerous charities and organizations. She was passionate about providing educational opportunities to disadvantaged children and was a long-time supporter of the Boys and Girls Club of Las Vegas.

After the divorce from Morita, Kathleen moved to Hawaii, where she worked as a social worker, helping people in need. She also continued to be an advocate for the Japanese American community, working with the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii.

Pat Morita

Noriyuki “Pat” Morita was a 1984 Emmy awarded actor. Morita’s acting career began in the late 1950s, when he was cast as a regular on the television series, “Hawaiian Eye.” For his portrayal of Mr. Miyagi in “The Karate Kid,” Morita was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. In 2002, he was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Morita passed away on November 24, 2005, due to complications from kidney failure.

Conclusion

Kathleen Yamachi passed away in 2019 at the age of 88. Her legacy lives on in the numerous organizations and charities she supported throughout her life. She was a passionate advocate for the arts and culture in Las Vegas, and her dedication to the city’s artistic community will be remembered for years to come.