Filipino-American actor and dancer Patrick Adiarte, recognized for his roles in “The King and I,” “Flower Drum Song,” and the TV series “M*A*S*H,” passed away on April 15, 2025, in Los Angeles, California, at 82. His niece, Stephanie Hogan, confirmed pneumonia as the cause of death.
Adiarte gained recognition among television audiences as cabin boy Ho-Jon, assisting Hawkeye Pierce (Alan Alda) and Trapper John McIntyre (Wayne Rogers) during the initial two seasons of “M*A*S*H” in the early 1970s. He appeared in seven episodes of the well-regarded comedy series before his character’s departure.
Born in Manila, Philippines, in 1942, Adiarte’s early years involved significant challenges. In 1945, as a toddler, he, his sister Irene, and his mother Purita were detained by Japanese forces on Cebu Island during World War II. His father, a captain in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, died a month after their capture.
After the conflict, Adiarte’s family traveled to New York City, New York, arriving through Ellis Island in 1946. They encountered threats of deportation while his sister underwent several surgeries to remove facial scarring caused by grenade fire during their captivity.
Adiarte’s fortunes shifted in 1952 when he and his dancer mother were cast in the Broadway production of “The King and I.” Initially playing a royal child, he later portrayed Prince Chulalongkorn in the 1956 film adaptation. With help from Senator John F. Kennedy, Adiarte and his family obtained U.S. citizenship in 1956.
His talent was further recognized when director and choreographer Gene Kelly cast him as Wang San in the 1958 Broadway production of “Flower Drum Song,” a role he reprised in the 1961 film version. Impressed by Adiarte’s dancing, Kelly once stated on a TV appearance together, “If there’s gonna be another Fred Astaire, I think it might well be Pat.”
After his final television appearance on “Kojak” in 1974, Adiarte largely stepped away from acting to focus on teaching dance. He taught at various institutions, including Santa Monica College, sharing his expertise with new generations of performers.
From 1975 to 1992, Adiarte was married to singer-actress Loni Ackerman. The couple was together for 17 years before their divorce.
Throughout his career, Adiarte was renowned for his precision and energy as a dancer, qualities that made him highly sought after in both stage and screen productions. His ability to navigate the entertainment industry as a Filipino-American performer during an era with limited representation was noteworthy.
Adiarte’s journey from wartime imprisonment to success on Broadway and in Hollywood stands as a testament to his resilience and talent. He is survived by his niece and nephew, who continue to preserve his legacy as an important figure in American entertainment history.
