Patrick Adiarte, the talented Filipino-American actor and dancer who brought charm and heart to his roles in The King and I, Flower Drum Song, and MASH*, has passed away at 82. 

His life and career not only entertained audiences for decades, but also quietly helped pave the way for other Asian-American actors in Hollywood and beyond.

Patrick Adiarte, Beloved Actor from ‘The King and I' and ‘M*A*S*H,' Dies at 82

Born in Manila in 1942, Adiarte’s early years were filled with hardship. During World War II, his family endured unimaginable struggles, including imprisonment on Cebu Island and the loss of his father. But, even from those beginnings, Adiarte’s path would soon lead to the bright lights of Broadway and the silver screen.

A Royal Role in The King and I

At just ten years old, Patrick Adiarte joined the original Broadway cast of The King and I, a Rodgers and Hammerstein classic. Touring across America, he charmed audiences as one of the royal children.

When the musical was adapted into a film in 1956, Adiarte’s talents earned him the role of Prince Chulalongkorn – a part that would cement his place in Hollywood history. Working alongside legends like Yul Brynner and Rita Moreno, Adiarte forged deep bonds, even referring to Brynner as his surrogate father.

Stealing the Spotlight in Flower Drum Song

Just a couple of years later, Adiarte stepped into another groundbreaking Rodgers and Hammerstein production, Flower Drum Song. Cast as the witty Wang San, he not only showcased his acting, but also his smooth vocals.

He performed the catchy duet "You Be the Rock, I’ll Be the Roll" with co-star Pat Suzuki. When the musical hit the big screen in 1961, Adiarte reprised his role, this time lighting up the cinemas alongside Nancy Kwan and James Shigeta.

A Familiar Face on MASH*

Patrick Adiarte wasn’t only a musical theater man. We all remember him as Ho-Jon, the kind-hearted Korean houseboy in the first season of MASH*. Throughout seven episodes, his character became part of the quirky yet deeply human family at the iconic 4077th unit. 

Ho-Jon’s story – eventually leaving to attend medical school – offered a rare glimpse of an Asian character with growth, dignity, and a future, at a time when television roles for Asian actors were few and far between.

Beyond the Spotlight: A Lifelong Love for the Arts

Beyond these standout roles, Adiarte had a versatile career that included dancing on the NBC variety show Hullabaloo, guest-starring on classics like Hawaii Five-O, Bonanza, and Kojak, and even teaching dance later in life at Santa Monica College. From stage to screen to studio, his passion for the arts never wavered.

A Lasting Legacy of Representation and Inspiration

Patrick Adiarte’s story is more than just a collection of beloved roles. As a Filipino-American actor navigating mid-20th-century Hollywood, he quietly broke barriers in an era when authentic Asian-American representation was painfully scarce. 

His performances offered more than entertainment. They provided visibility, pride, and possibility to a generation that rarely saw themselves reflected onstage or onscreen.

While his time with us has come to a close, Patrick Adiarte’s legacy lives on through his music, movies, and shows that introduced him to the world. The doors he helped open will continue to pave the way for future artists who are chasing their dreams, too.