In his nearly three-and-a-half-hour interview, Pat Morita (1932-2005) talks about his early years, including his childhood internment in a camp in California for Japanese Americans during World War II. Morita discusses how he turned to comedy performance at the age of 30, and quickly rose to his television debut onHollywood Palace. He recounts how, after performing on stage and television, he landed a regular role as "Arnold Takahashi" on Happy Days. He talks about appearing onSanford and Son and speaks fondly of his mentor, the late Redd Foxx. He also recalls his work in theKarate Kid feature films and his then-current life and career. Karen Herman conducted the interview on October 13, 2000 in Las Vegas, NV.

"But quote unquote 'Japs ain't funny.' So how am I going to get work as a comedian if 'Japs ain't funny'? I gotta be funny first, but might happen to look like a Japanese guy....I think the best things in life begin from sometimes the worst things in life -- but not without effort, not without hopes and dreams."