Ralph Macchio
Template:Short description Template:For Template:Use mdy dates
Ralph George Macchio Jr. (Template:IPAc-en Template:Respell, Template:IPA; born November 4, 1961) is an American actor. He is best known for portraying Daniel LaRusso in four Karate Kid films (1984–2025) and in Cobra Kai (2018–2025), a sequel television series. For his work in the latter, Macchio was nominated for two Critics' Choice Awards and a Primetime Emmy Award. He is also known for portraying Johnny Cade in Francis Ford Coppola's ensemble 1983 film, The Outsiders, and Bill Gambini in Joe Pesci's 1992 film My Cousin Vinny. Additional notable performances were in Eight Is Enough (1980–1981), Crossroads (1986), Ugly Betty (2008–2009), and The Deuce (2017–2019). He has also worked as a director and has produced two short films. Macchio received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2024.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Early life
Macchio was born in Huntington, New York, a suburb of New York City, on November 4, 1961.<ref name="biocom" /> He is the son of Rosalie (née DeSantis) and Ralph George Macchio Sr., who owned a few laundromats and a wastewater disposal company. Macchio has a younger brother named Steven.<ref name=":2">Template:Cite web</ref> Ralph Sr. is of half Italian and half Greek<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> descent, and Rosalie is of Italian ancestry.<ref>Q&A With Executive Producer Ralph Macchio Template:Webarchive. National Geographic Channel.</ref> In a 1980 screen test, Macchio said that his family was from Naples.<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref> In 1979, Macchio graduated from Half Hollow Hills High School West in Dix Hills, New York.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
Macchio began tap dancing lessons at age three and was discovered by a talent agent at age 16.<ref name=biocom/> He also had minimal training in martial arts, learning a little karate and jiujitsu in elementary school, long before getting the role of Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid film franchise.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Career
Eight Is Enough and The Outsiders
Macchio’s first role came in a 1980 Bubble Yum commercial,<ref>Template:Cite AV media</ref> that same year Macchio was then cast as Jeremy Andretti for the final season of Eight Is Enough.<ref name=biocom/> He next won the role of Johnny Cade in Francis Ford Coppola's 1983 cinematic adaptation of S. E. Hinton's novel, The Outsiders, and shared the screen with an ensemble cast that included Tom Cruise, Matt Dillon, Emilio Estevez, Leif Garrett, C. Thomas Howell, Diane Lane, Rob Lowe, and Patrick Swayze.<ref name=thenandnow>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
.jpg){kind=link}
Daniel LaRusso
Original Karate Kid films
Macchio's work on The Outsiders helped him win the role of Daniel LaRusso in the 1984 blockbuster film The Karate Kid. He continued to portray the character in two of its sequels, The Karate Kid Part II (1986) and The Karate Kid Part III (1989).<ref name=biocom/><ref name="auto">Template:Cite news</ref> In The Karate Kid, Macchio portrayed a "high school weakling turned bullybuster"<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> who learns karate from his friend and mentor, Mr. Miyagi (portrayed by Pat Morita).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Macchio's work in the Karate Kid series made him "stratospherically famous."<ref name="auto"/>
Macchio appeared in the 2007 music video for the song "Sweep the Leg" by No More Kings as a caricature of himself and Daniel LaRusso.<ref name="starred">Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref name="officialnomorekings">Template:YouTube</ref>
In June 2010, Macchio appeared in Funny or Die's online short, "Wax On, F*ck Off", in which his loved ones stage an intervention to turn the former child star from a well-adjusted family man into an addict besieged with tabloid scandal in order to help his career, with frequent references to The Karate Kid.<ref>"Wax On, F*ck Off with Ralph Macchio" Template:Webarchive Funny or Die; 2010</ref> A recurring joke in the sketch is that Macchio is confused for an adolescent. The short was lauded by TV Guide's Bruce Fretts, who referred to the video as "sidesplitting" and "comic gold."<ref>Fretts, Bruce. "Cheers & Jeers"; TV Guide; July 5, 2010; Page 92</ref>
In 2013, Macchio appeared in How I Met Your Mother. One of the main characters, Barney Stinson, asserts that Macchio's character, Daniel LaRusso, in The Karate Kid is not the real karate kid; instead, it is Johnny Lawrence, Daniel's nemesis in the film.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> That same year he also voiced Daniel LaRusso along with a few other characters in a episode of Robot Chicken. During a celebration of the 30th anniversary of The Karate Kid at the Japanese American National Museum in 2014, Macchio said that the yellow 1947 Ford Super Deluxe convertible that his character Daniel receives from Mr. Miyagi in the first film was sitting in his garage.<ref name=grown>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Cobra Kai
_(cropped).jpg){kind=link}
From 2018 to 2025, Macchio reprised the role of Daniel LaRusso for the martial arts comedy drama television series Cobra Kai created by Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg, and distributed by Sony Pictures Television. Cobra Kai premiered on May 2, 2018, and concluded on February 13, 2025, after six seasons consisting of 65 episodes. Originally released on YouTube Red / YouTube Premium for its first two seasons, the series later moved to Netflix. Cobra Kai re-examines The Karate Kid films as Johnny Lawrence's "redemption story" that questions his role as a villain, and also introduces the struggles that both Daniel and Johnny face with their respective father figures.<ref name="red">Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2022, Macchio published his memoir Waxing On: The Karate Kid and Me, where he reflects upon the legacy of the Karate Kid films and Cobra Kai.<ref name="HR1022">Template:Cite web</ref> The book went on to become a New York Times best seller.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Karate Kid: Legends
In 2025, Macchio teamed up with Jackie Chan to again reprise the role of Daniel LaRusso in Karate Kid: Legends.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Other roles
In 1986, Macchio appeared in the 1986 film Crossroads, portraying music student Eugene Martone. That same year, Macchio starred in Cuba and His Teddy Bear on Broadway, alongside Robert De Niro.<ref name=biocom/><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In 1992, Macchio starred opposite Joe Pesci and Marisa Tomei in the hit comedy film My Cousin Vinny, playing Billy Gambini, who was wrongfully accused of murder while passing through a small Alabama town.<ref name=biocom/>
In 1996, Macchio performed the lead role of J. Pierrepont Finch in the U.S. tour revival of the 1962 Tony Award-winning musical How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and received positive reviews. Referring to his performance as a chorister in a high school production of the same musical, Macchio said, "I was known as the 'Dancing Kid,' not that I was all that great. But I had been dancing since the age of three, taking lessons at the June Claire School of Dance in Babylon, Long Island."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In 2005, Macchio played himself in the HBO series Entourage.<ref name=biocom/> Beginning in October 2008, Macchio appeared in several episodes of the ABC Network television series Ugly Betty as Archie Rodriguez, a local politician who is Hilda's love interest.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
On September 20, 2010, Macchio played the adult Carl Morelli in a staged reading of the Charles Messina play A Room of My Own presented by The Bleecker Street Theatre Company.<ref name=Lenzi>Template:Cite web</ref> His Funny or Die video entitled Wax On, F*ck Off, became a viral sensation in 2010.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> In February 2011, it was announced that Macchio would compete on ABC's Dancing with the Stars. He was eliminated during the semi-finals, placing fourth in the overall competition.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Macchio appeared in Canadian band Danko Jones' music videos for "Had Enough" and "I Think Bad Thoughts."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In April 2012, Macchio was cast in the film Hitchcock, based on the non-fiction book Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho. He portrayed Psycho screenwriter Joseph Stefano.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Some of his other film credits include Distant Thunder, Naked in New York, A Good Night to Die, Beer League and both Too Much Sun and Up the Academy with Robert Downey Jr.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> From 2017 to 2019, Macchio had a reucuring role as Officer Haddix on The Deuce.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Macchio has directed two short films: Love Thy Brother (2002) and Across The Alley (2013); both won awards at U.S.-based film festivals.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2024–present
Macchio was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2024.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Personal life
.jpg){kind=link}
Macchio was introduced to his future wife, Phyllis Fierro, by his grandmother when he was 15. They got married on April 5, 1987, and have two children together: Julia (b. 1992) and Daniel (b. 1996).<ref name="big50" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref> Fierro is a nurse practitioner.<ref name="big50">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name=":0">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name=grown /> Julia appeared in seasons 4 and 5 of Cobra Kai, portraying her father's character's cousin named Vanessa LaRusso.<ref name=":1" />
Macchio is a fan of the New York Islanders hockey team and was featured as the team's celebrity captain in the 1991 Pro Set Platinum trading card series.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> A 2016 bobblehead promotion saw his likeness in the team's uniform donning the iconic 'crane kick' pose from The Karate Kid.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On March 18, 2018 Macchio threw out the ceremonial first pitch at a New York Mets game with William Zabka serving as the catcher.<ref>Template:Cite AV media</ref>
Macchio earned his black belt in karate in April 2025,<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> a little more than 40 years after portraying Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid. In 2023, Macchio said that before the filming, he was trained in the Okinawan Gōjū-ryū defensive style of karate used by Pat Morita's Mr. Miyagi character.<ref name="TGgilbert">Template:Cite news</ref> In May 2025, Macchio and his Karate Kid: Legends co-star Jackie Chan were awarded an honorary black belt by the World Karate Federation during the film's New York premiere.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Macchio still trains regularly as of 2025 and has credited the sport for helping him stay in shape.<ref name="TGgilbert" /><ref>Template:Cite AV media</ref> In 2022 Macchio was inducted into the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame, and was honored as a special recognition inductee “for his contribution to martial arts and sporting culture in America and beyond.”<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Macchio is involved with multiple charities that support medical research and children's causes, such as the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund and the Maurer Foundation.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2016 he took part in a benefit featuring a screening of The Karate Kid to raise funds for a local wildlife rescue center,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He is also a strong advocate of breast health education and prevention due to his wife having a breast cancer scare in the past.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Up the Academy | Chooch Bambalazi | |
| 1982 | High Powder | Eddie | Television film |
| Dangerous Company | Denny Brody | ||
| 1983 | The Outsiders | Johnny Cade | |
| 1984 | The Karate Kid | Daniel LaRusso | |
| Teachers | Eddie Pilikian | ||
| The Three Wishes of Billy Grier | Billy Grier | Television film | |
| 1986 | Crossroads | Eugene Martone | |
| The Karate Kid Part II | Daniel LaRusso | ||
| 1988 | Distant Thunder | Jack Lambert | |
| 1989 | The Karate Kid Part III | Daniel LaRusso | |
| 1991 | Too Much Sun | Frank Jr. | |
| 1992 | The Last P.O.W.? The Bobby Garwood Story | Robert Garwood | Television film |
| My Cousin Vinny | Bill Gambini | ||
| 1993 | Naked in New York | Chris | |
| 1996 | Journey Home: The Animals of Farthing Wood | Fox | Voice, direct-to-video |
| 1998 | Dizzyland | N/A | Short film |
| The Secret of NIMH 2: Timmy to the Rescue | Timmy Brisby | Voice, direct-to-video | |
| 1999 | Can't Be Heaven | Hubbie Darling | |
| 2000 | The Office Party | Sean | Short film |
| 2001 | Popcorn Shrimp | Cop #2 | |
| 2003 | A Good Night to Die | Donnie | |
| 2006 | Beer League | Maz | |
| 2009 | Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Undead | Bobby Bianchi | |
| 2010 | Wax On, F*ck Off<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | Himself, concept writer | Short film |
| 2012 | Hitchcock | Joseph Stefano | |
| Holiday Spin | Ruben | Television film | |
| 2013 | He's Way More Famous Than You | Himself | |
| Across Grace Alley | Father | Short film | |
| 2014 | A Little Game | Tom | |
| 2015 | Lost Cat Corona | Dominic | |
| 2017 | Psych: The Movie | Nick Conforth | Television film |
| 2018 | A Dog and Pony Show | Aaron | |
| 2025 | Karate Kid: Legends | Daniel LaRusso | Also executive producer |
| TBA | The Girl in the River | Filming<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980–1981 | Eight Is Enough | Jeremy Andretti | Recurring role (19 episodes) |
| 1982 | CBS Afternoon Playhouse | Tony Barnett | Episode: "Journey to Survival" |
| 1999 | The Outer Limits | Dr. Neal Eberhardt | Episode: "The Other Side" |
| 2000 | Chicken Soup for the Soul | Max | Episode: "Letters to Suzie" |
| Twice in a Lifetime | Officer Dan Payello/Phillip Barbosa | Episode: "My Blue Heaven" | |
| 2005 | Entourage | Himself | Episode: "Aquamansion" |
| 2007 | Head Case | Episode: "Ralph Macchio and Liz Phair" | |
| 2008–2009 | Ugly Betty | Archie Rodriguez | Recurring role (11 episodes) |
| 2010 | Law & Order: Criminal Intent | Louis Marciano | Episode: "Inhumane Society" |
| Psych | Nick Conforth | Episode: "We'd Like to Thank the Academy" | |
| 2011 | The Whole Truth | Frankie Berlito | Episode: "Lost in Translation" |
| Dancing with the Stars | Himself (contestant) | Placed in fourth (17 episodes) | |
| 2012 | Happily Divorced | Frankie | Episodes: "Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place" (Parts 1 & 2) |
| 2013 | Robot Chicken | Daniel LaRusso, Colonel Steven Shay, Janitor | Voice, episode: "Caffeine-Induced Aneurysm" |
| How I Met Your Mother | Himself | Episode: "The Bro Mitzvah" | |
| 2014 | Psych | Logan Phelps | Episode: "Remake A.K.A. Cloudy... With a Chance of Improvement" |
| 2016 | Comedy Central Roast of Rob Lowe | Himself/roaster | Television special |
| 2017–2019 | The Deuce | Officer Haddix | Recurring role (17 episodes) |
| 2017 | Whose Line Is It Anyway? | Himself | Special Guest (Season 13, Episode 8) |
| 2018 | Kevin Can Wait | Alviti<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | Episodes: "The Smoking Bun" and "Phat Monkey" |
| Conan | Himself | Episode: "Conan Without Borders: Japan"; pre-recorded video clip<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 2018–2025 | Cobra Kai | Daniel LaRusso | Continuation of The Karate Kid film series Main role Also directed Episode: "Sleeper" |
Theatre
| Year | Production | Role | Theater |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Cuba and his Teddy Bear | Teddy | The Public Theater |
| 1996–1997 | How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying | J. Pierrepont Finch | US national tour<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> |
Music videos
| Year | Title | Artist | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Sweep the Leg | No More Kings | Himself / Daniel LaRusso |
| 2010 | "Had Enough" | Danko Jones | Dr. Lee Dorian |
| 2011 | "I Think Bad Thoughts" | ||
| 2012 | "The Ballad of Danko Jones" | ||
| 2024 | "The Karate Kid" | Coldplay | Busker |
Video games
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues | Daniel LaRusso |
| 2022 | Cobra Kai 2: Dojos Rising |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Film/work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Young Artist Award | Best Young Actor in a Television Special | Eight Is Enough | Template:Nom |
| 1986 | Bravo Otto | Best Actor | Himself | Template:Nom |
| 2001 | Long Island International Film Expo | Long Island Independent Filmmaker Award | Himself | Template:Won |
| 2002 | Long Island International Film Expo | Best director | Love Thy Brother | Template:Won |
| 2002 | Stony Brook Film Festival | Audience choice | Love Thy Brother | Template:Won |
| 2014 | Santa Barbara International Film Festival | Best Live Action Short Film | Across Grace Alley | Template:Nom |
| 2014 | American Short Film Awards | Best Drama short film | Across Grace Alley | Template:Won |
| 2021 | Primetime Emmy | Outstanding Comedy Series | Cobra Kai (shared) | Template:Nom |
| 2022 | Critics Choice Super Awards | Best Actor in an Action Series | Cobra Kai | Template:Nom |
| 2022 | Kids' Choice Awards | Favorite male TV star | Cobra Kai | Template:Nom |
| 2022 | Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame | Special Recognition & Martial Arts | Himself | Template:Won |
| 2023 | Critics Choice Super Awards | Best Actor in an Action Series, Limited Series or Made-for-TV | Cobra Kai | Template:Nom |
| 2023 | Kid’s Choice Awards | Favorite male TV star | Cobra Kai | Template:Nom |
| 2024 | Hollywood Walk of Fame | Star | Himself | Template:Won |
| 2025 | Newport Beach TV Fest | Artist of distinction | Himself | Template:Won |
Book
- Template:Cite book<ref name="HR1022"/>
References
External links
- Template:IMDb name
- THE OUTSIDERS Reunion with Francis Ford Coppola, Ralph Macchio & C. Thomas Howell – 50th American Film Institute, Life Achievement Award to Francis Ford Coppola, April 26, 2025.
- Ralph Macchio of "Cobra Kai" on Memoir "Waxing On: The Karate Kid and Me" – The View, October 18, 2022.
- Ralph Macchio & Yuji Okumoto Present Best Fighting Game at The Game Awards 2020 – The Game Awards, December 2020.
- Pages with broken file links
- 1961 births
- Living people
- 20th-century American male actors
- 21st-century American male actors
- American male film actors
- American male karateka
- American male television actors
- American people of Greek descent
- American people of Italian descent
- Gōjū-ryū practitioners
- Male actors from Suffolk County, New York
- People from Dix Hills, New York
- People from Huntington, New York
- People of Campanian descent
- Long Island International Film Expo award winners