Patrick Adiarte, a versatile actor and dancer celebrated for his contributions to stage and screen, has died at the age of 82. His passing occurred on Tuesday at a hospital in the Los Angeles area following complications from pneumonia. The news was confirmed by his niece, Stephanie Hogan, to *The Hollywood Reporter*.
Adiarte enjoyed an extensive career across film, television, and theater, beginning with a remarkable early life marked by adversity.
Born on August 2, 1942, in Manila, Philippines, Adiarte’s childhood was profoundly impacted by World War II. In February 1945, he, his mother Purita, and sister Irene were imprisoned by Japanese forces on the island of Cebu. During a desperate attempt to escape, they were caught in an explosion when grenades were thrown. A month later, their father, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers captain, tragically lost his life.
The family eventually immigrated to New York City via Ellis Island in June 1946, seeking medical care for Irene’s severe facial injuries sustained during the attack. This marked the beginning of Adiarte’s journey into performing arts.
His career began early; in 1952, he joined the Broadway production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s *The King and I*, initially portraying one of the royal children. He later ascended to the role of Prince Chulalongkorn in the 1956 film adaptation, starring alongside Yul Brynner, whom Adiarte considered a paternal figure.
Fans of the television show M*A*S*H
will remember him as Ho-Jon, the Korean houseboy who provided assistance to Hawkeye Pierce and Trapper John McIntyre in seven episodes during the series’ first season. His character was written out, presumably to pursue medical studies.
Adiarte also brought vibrancy to *Flower Drum Song* (1958) as Wang San, a witty and Americanized son. In Gene Kelly’s direction, he famously performed “You Be the Rock, I’ll Be the Roll” with Pat Suzuki. He reprised this role in the 1961 film adaptation.
Gene Kelly proved to be more than just a director; he became a significant mentor to Adiarte. The celebrated choreographer and actor once remarked during an NBC variety show appearance: “If there’s gonna be another Fred Astaire, I think it might as well be Pat.” Kelly further supported his protégé by securing him a dancing engagement on Italian television for approximately a year.
Beyond these iconic roles, Adiarte appeared in numerous other productions:
- A memorable guest appearance on *The Brady Bunch* (1972), portraying a construction worker who guided the family during their Hawaiian vacation.
- Appearances in popular television series such as *Hawaii Five-O*, *Kojak*, *It Takes a Thief*, *Ironside*, and *Bonanza*.
Adiarte’s career embodied resilience, talent, and the transformative power of opportunity.
