Pat Morita, celebrated for his portrayal of the beloved character Mr. Miyagi in the Karate Kid film series, was not only an esteemed actor but also a comedian, voice actor, and producer. Despite his enduring success in Hollywood, Morita’s personal life was marked by turbulence, including three marriages.
Among Morita’s spouses was Yukiye Kitahara, his second wife, whose identity and the fate of their marriage have intrigued many. Delving into lesser-known details about Yukiye Kitahara sheds light on this aspect of Morita’s life.
A Brief Marriage with Pat Morita
Yukiye Kitahara entered into matrimony with Pat Morita on December 28, 1970, coinciding with Morita’s divorce from his first wife, Kathleen Yamachi, that same year. Together, they welcomed two daughters, Tia and Aly Morita, into their lives. Tia pursued a career in research, while Aly ventured into writing, with published novels and short stories to her credit.
Their union endured for 19 years until their divorce in 1989, although the specific reasons behind their separation remain undisclosed. It appears that they maintained a private relationship, valuing each other’s privacy and discretion.
Yukiye Kitahara remains a relatively mysterious figure, with limited information available about her. Her sole credited appearance on IMDb is on the game show “Tattletales” from 1975, where she appeared as herself, as noted by Heavy.com.
A Low-Key Life After Divorce
Following her divorce from Pat Morita, Yukiye Kitahara retreated from public view, maintaining a veil of privacy around her life. She has remained tight-lipped about her wealth, career, and personal relationships, offering no insight into these aspects of her life. Notably, she has refrained from commenting on Morita’s passing in 2005, attributed to heart and kidney failure. Kitahara appears to have deliberately embraced a low-profile existence, distancing herself from the spotlight.
A Mystery to Many Fans
Yukiye Kitahara remains a figure of intrigue for many fans of Pat Morita and the Karate Kid franchise. Despite Morita’s prominence, Kitahara receives scant mention in media coverage and documentaries chronicling Morita’s life. Notably, in the 2021 documentary “More Than Miyagi: The Pat Morita Story,” executive produced by Morita’s third and final wife, Evelyn Guerrero, Kitahara is notably absent from interviews or features. Instead, the documentary delves into Morita’s upbringing, his career trajectory, his struggles with alcoholism, and his eventual passing. While featuring insights from Morita’s co-stars, colleagues, friends, and family members, Kitahara remains a mysterious and overlooked figure in Morita’s narrative.
A Part of Pat Morita’s Legacy
While Yukiye Kitahara may not be a household name, her significance within Pat Morita’s legacy is undeniable. As Morita’s wife for nearly two decades and the mother of his two daughters, she shared in both the joys and trials of his life and career. Despite her preference for a private life, she deserves acknowledgment and respect for her role in Pat Morita’s journey.
