Kathleen Yamachi is best known as the first wife of actor Pat Morita, the man who played Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid. She lived a very private life, so public details about her are limited. Still, we can learn about her through trusted records of Pat Morita’s life and family. This article shares what is known in clear, simple English. It also respects her privacy and avoids guesswork.
Personal Information
Item | Detail |
---|---|
Full Name | Kathleen Yamachi |
Known For | First wife of actor Pat Morita |
Relationship | Married Pat Morita in 1953, divorced 1967 |
Children | Erin Morita (born 1954) |
Public Career | Not publicly documented |
Nationality | Not publicly confirmed |
Education | Not publicly confirmed |
Life After Divorce | Private, not confirmed in reliable sources |
Link to Pop Culture | Connected to The Karate Kid legacy through Pat Morita |
Notable Sources | Family essays and standard biographical records on Pat Morita |
Privacy Note | Very limited verified information is available |
Early Life and Privacy
There is no confirmed public data about Kathleen’s early years, education, or work. She did not seek the spotlight. Because of that, accurate information is scarce. Many websites repeat each other, and some details do not match. In this article, we use sources with stronger reputations and note any places where accounts differ.
Marriage to Pat Morita
Pat Morita married Kathleen Yamachi in 1953. Most public records agree on this year. They later divorced in 1967.
Some outlets add extra details about their ages at the wedding. Articles that quote Pat Morita’s daughter Aly Morita say he was 21 and Kathleen was 27 when they married.

Children
Most reliable accounts say Pat and Kathleen had one daughter, Erin, born in 1954. Later, during Pat’s second marriage to Yukiye Kitahara (married 1970 to 1989), he had two more daughters, Aly and Tia.
Note on conflicting sources: A few general biographies list different children under the first marriage. When a daughter’s own essay and multiple careful summaries align, those accounts are likely stronger. For this reason, we present Erin as Kathleen’s daughter, and Aly and Tia as children from Pat’s second marriage.
Life During Pat Morita’s Early Career
Pat began his entertainment career in the early 1960s. That period was hard for many new performers. Work was not always steady, and income was often low. Accounts say the young family managed common struggles of early career years. While there are no public interviews from Kathleen about this time, it is fair to say that being married to a new comedian and actor in the 1960s was not simple. Basic biographical overviews help place these years in context.
Divorce and Separate Paths
The couple divorced in 1967. After that, Pat Morita went on to a second marriage with Yukiye Kitahara in 1970, and later a third marriage with Evelyn Guerrero in 1994. These timelines are consistent in respected summaries. Kathleen stayed private. Public sources do not offer verified details about her later life, and we should avoid speculation.
Why So Little Is Known About Kathleen
Not everyone connected to a famous person wants a public life. Many spouses and ex-spouses choose privacy. In Kathleen’s case, there are no known public interviews, social media accounts, or official statements. When the record is thin, the best practice is to share only what can be confirmed and to respect personal boundaries.
Legacy in Pat Morita’s Story

Although Kathleen did not appear in headlines, she is part of Pat Morita’s family history. She was there during his early adult years and the start of his career. Their daughter Erin links their family line. When people study the life of a well-known figure, it is fair to remember the quiet roles that partners play, even when the public record is small.
Final Thoughts
Kathleen Yamachi lived outside the spotlight, yet she is part of the story of a famous actor. The confirmed facts are simple: a marriage from 1953 to 1967, one daughter named Erin, and a quiet life away from public media. Everything else is uncertain or private. By using careful sources and clear language, we can tell her story with respect.
FAQs
- Who is Kathleen Yamachi?
She is the first wife of actor Pat Morita, known for playing Mr. Miyagi. - When did Kathleen marry Pat Morita?
They married in 1953 and later divorced in 1967. - Did Kathleen and Pat Morita have children?
Yes. They had one daughter, Erin, born in 1954. - How old were they when they married?
Accounts that cite Pat’s daughter Aly Morita say Pat was 21 and Kathleen was 27 at the wedding. - What do we know about Kathleen’s job or education?
Nothing confirmed in reliable public sources. She kept a private life. - Is Kathleen in any interviews or documentaries?
There are no verified public interviews by her. Most information comes from Pat’s biographies and family essays. - How many times was Pat Morita married?
Three times: to Kathleen Yamachi (1953 to 1967), Yukiye Kitahara (1970 to 1989), and Evelyn Guerrero (1994 to 2005). - Who are Pat Morita’s other children?
With his second wife, Yukiye Kitahara, he had daughters Aly and Tia. - Why are there conflicting details online?
Some websites copy errors or mix children between marriages. When a detail comes directly from a family member’s essay, it is usually more reliable. - What is the best way to write about Kathleen with respect?
Share only verified facts, note areas of uncertainty, and avoid claims that cannot be confirmed. This approach honors her privacy.
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