Ralph Macchio Is 61: Photos Of The ‘Karate Kid’ From His Young Years To Now

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Then & Now Photos Of Ralph Macchio

Then & Now Photos Of Ralph Macchio — You probably know Ralph Macchio as Danny LaRusso: the apprentice to Mr. Miyagi, who works his way up in the world of karate throughout all three of The Karate Kid films. Years later, Ralph returned to the world of on-screen karate and reprised his role as Danny on Cobra Kai in 2018. He reunited with his rival, Johnny Lawrence (played by William Zabka), for the spin-off story, which is now in its fifth season on Netflix.

Ralph was a success even before The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai. Danny, who was born in Nov. 1961, made his film debut in the 1980 teen comedy Up the Academy. His other notable roles include Johnny Cade in The Outsiders (1983), Eugene Martone in Crossroads (1986) and Bill Gambini in My Cousin Vinny (1992).

Ralph has been in the spotlight for so long! See the star’s nearly 40-year journey through Hollywood by scrolling through the photos below!

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Ralph Macchio in ‘The Outsiders’

Ralph Macchio in ‘The Outsiders’ — A very young Ralph Macchio poses in a promo shot for the ’80s flick The Outsiders. Ralph famously played Johnny Cade in the classic.

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Ralph Macchio in ‘Teachers’

Ralph Macchio in ‘Teachers’ — Ralph Macchio poses in a promo photo for the 1984 comedy Teachers. It dropped the same year that Ralph became a household name with The Karate Kid.

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Ralph Macchio in ‘The Karate Kid’

Ralph Macchio in ‘The Karate Kid’ — Ralph Macchio became an overnight sensation in 1984 when he starred as Daniel LaRusso, a scrappy kid who wanted to win big in The Karate Kid. He’d reprise the role 30 years later in Cobra Kai.

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Ralph Macchio With Burt Long & Robert De Niro

Ralph Macchio With Burt Long & Robert De Niro — Ralph Macchio poses with co-stars Burt Long and Robert De Niro at the opening night of their 1986 play “Cuba and his Teddy Bear”. The men just did their curtain call.

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Ralph Macchio & Phyllis Fierro at ‘Great Balls of Fire’ Premiere

Ralph Macchio & Phyllis Fierro at ‘Great Balls of Fire’ Premiere — Ralph Macchio attends the New York premiere of Great Balls of Fire with wife Phyllis Fierro in 1989. Ralph and Phyllis are still going strong all these decades later!

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Ralph Macchio in ‘My Cousin Vinny’

Ralph Macchio in ‘My Cousin Vinny’ — Ralph Macchio appears in a scene from the 1992 Oscar-winner My Cousin Vinny. He still looks like a baby!

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Ralph Macchio Laughs with Will Smith

Ralph Macchio Laughs with Will Smith — Ralph Macchio greets a delighted Will Smith on the red carpet at the premiere of the 2010 The Karate Kid remake. The film starred Jaden Smith as Ralph’s character.

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Ralph Macchio at ‘Take Me Home Tonight’ Premiere

Ralph Macchio at ‘Take Me Home Tonight’ Premiere — Ralph Macchio arrives at the premiere of the film Take Me Home Tonight in 2011. He rocked a roomy outfit for the affair.

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Ralph Macchio At The 2018 US Open

Ralph Macchio At The 2018 US Open — Ralph Macchio arrives on Day 4 the 2018 US Open Tennis Tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens. He dressed sporty for the event.

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Ralph Macchio at 2019 BBMAs

Ralph Macchio at 2019 BBMAs — Ralph Macchio arrives at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. He had just begun a new chapter of his life with Cobra Kai.

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Ralph Macchio in ‘Cobra Kai’

Ralph Macchio in ‘Cobra Kai’ — Ralph Macchio reprises his role as Daniel in Cobra Kai. This time, his character is all grown up — but still kicking butts.

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Ralph Macchio At The Premiere Of ‘Cobra Kai’ Season 5

Ralph Macchio At The Premiere Of ‘Cobra Kai’ Season 5 — Ralph Macchio suited up in plaid for the LA premiere Of Netflix’s ‘Cobra Kai’ on Sep. 7, 2022. Giving the look a cool touch, he tempered the bold blue pattern with white sneakers.

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Ralph Macchio At The Premiere Of ‘Hocus Pocus’

Ralph Macchio At The Premiere Of ‘Hocus Pocus’ — Ralph Macchio was dressed to impress at the New York premiere of Hocus Pocus 2 on Sep. 27, 2022. His purple jacket and lavendar shirt were simply enchanting.

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