“The idea of a Japanese comedian was not only a rarity, it was non-existent.” -Pat Morita.

The late Noriyuki Morita was the embodiment of an entertainer and knew exactly how to get a laugh from any audience. His love for comedy and performing in front of audiences led him to become one of the most beloved actors of the past century. However, often overlooked is the uphill battle that Morita faced not only with alcohol abuse but also as an Asian-American actor in early Hollywood cinema. With a career spanning from the 1960s to the early 2000s, Morita experienced first-hand the various racist and stereotypical portrayals of Asian people in American television and film.