Fil-Am actor Patrick Adiarte, ‘King and I,’ ‘M*A*S*H’ star, dies at 82

Filipino American actor and dancer Patrick Adiarte, who starred in “The King and I” and the hit TV series “M*A*S*H,” has died at the age of 82. 

His niece confirmed that the actor succumbed to pneumonia in a hospital in Los Angeles, The Daily Mail reported.

Born in Manila in 1943, Adiarte lived through the harrowing final years of World War II, during which he and his family – his mother and sister – were interned. 

In 1946, the family immigrated to the United States, arriving through Ellis Island. Just five years after settling in the country, a young Adiarte found himself in the bright lights of Broadway.

He made his mark early on, joining the original Broadway production of “The King and I” as one of the royal children. His stage presence and natural talent quickly elevated him to more prominent roles. 

Patrick Adiarte Dead: ‘M*A*S*H’ Actor Was 82 https://t.co/KkWDX8dZXN

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When the beloved musical was adapted into a Hollywood film, Adiarte took on the role of Prince Chulalongkorn, performing alongside legends like Yul Brynner, Deborah Kerr and Rita Moreno.

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His IMDb biography highlights this period as the beginning of a remarkable career. Adiarte’s artistic talents were not confined to the stage or screen as he also showcased his dancing prowess in a memorable sequence with Gene Kelly. 

In this scene, the two artists shared a symbolic dance that juxtaposed classic and contemporary tap, with Kelly embodying tradition while Adiarte represented the future of the art form.

Although he later stepped away from the limelight, Adiarte’s contributions helped shape the visibility of Asian and Filipino talent in American entertainment. 

His career remains a significant chapter in the history of Broadway and Hollywood, and his impact continues to inspire new generations of performers.

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