THE ULTIMATE FANDOM NEWSLETTER
Next release: July 11 | 4 PM EDT
Wax on, Wax off
Karate Kid: Legends is releasing this month so it’s time to look at the career of the original Karate Kid, Ralph Macchio.
The Karate Kid
Ralph Macchio has portrayed Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid franchise since 1984. Macchio brought to life the underdog story of a bullied teenager who learns karate from the wise Mr. Miyagi. LaRusso character's journey from novice to champion resonated with audiences and Macchio did a fantastic job in capturing the character's impulsivity and compassion. The Karate Kid has become a staple in pop culture and coining quotes like "wax on, wax off" into a household phrase.
Macchio kickstarted the franchise and over the years has been part on-screen and off-screen legacy of the movie.
Cobra Kai
Decades after The Karate Kid, Ralph Macchio has returned to Daniel LaRusso in the Netflix hit series Cobra Kai, introducing Daniel LaRusso to a new generation while delighting longtime fans. As an executive producer alongside William Zabka, Macchio has been instrumental in shaping the show's direction and ensuring its appeal to both nostalgic fans and new viewers. In Cobra Kai, Macchio's LaRusso navigates the complexities of adulthood while still grappling with the legacy of his karate past. Now in its final season, the series showcases Macchio's ability to bring depth to Daniel's character decades after his initial portrayal.
Fun Fact: In real life, Macchio is now a black belt in Karate.
MOVIES
The Outsiders
Johnny Cade
(1983)
Crossroads
Eugene Martone
(1986)
My Cousin Vinny
Bill Gambini
(1992)
The Secret of NIMH 2: Timmy to the Rescue
Timmy Brisby
(1998)
Hitchcock
Joseph Stefano
(2012)
Psych: The Movie
Nick Conforth
(2018)
Tv Shows
Eight Is Enough
Jeremy Andretti
(1980)
Ugly Betty
Archie Rodriguez
(2008)
Dancing with the Stars
Himself
(2011)
How I Met Your Mother
Himself
(2013)
The Deuce
Officer Haddix
(2017)
Kevin Can Wait
Alviti
(2018)