Pat E. Johnson Obituary – Death: ‘Karate Kid’ Fight Choreographer & Veteran Stuntman Who Also Appeared In ‘Enter The Dragon’ Has Passed Away
Pat E. Johnson, a renowned stuntman known for his work as the fight choreographer and a referee in the Karate Kid movies and his appearances in iconic films like Enter the Dragon and several Chuck Norris films, has passed away at the age of 84.
His wife, Susan, announced the news of his passing on social media, stating, “For those that don’t know, my husband, Pat Johnson, passed away yesterday. I was blessed to have all my sons here with me – we cried, we laughed, we held each other close. 54 years of my life is now at peace, and I am blessed with so many amazing memories, friends, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.”
Johnson’s extensive career included more than three dozen stuntman credits, starting with his work in the 1973 martial arts classic Enter the Dragon, where he also had a small role. He collaborated with martial arts legends like Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, Jackie Chan, and Jim Kelly, and even worked alongside Steve McQueen in the actor’s final film, The Hunter, in 1980.
Notably, Johnson served as the martial arts choreographer for the 1984 hit film The Karate Kid, teaching star Ralph Macchio the famous “crane kick” and later working as the stunt coordinator for its sequels. He also contributed his expertise to other notable films such as Mortal Kombat, Batman & Robin, and Wild Wild West, among many others.
Throughout his career, Johnson made significant contributions to the world of martial arts and film, leaving a lasting legacy that has inspired and entertained audiences worldwide.
