The Cast Of ‘The Karate Kid’ Movies Then & Now: See Ralph Macchio, William Zabka & More

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December 18, 2024 12:34PM EST
Pat Morita and Ralph Macchio in a scene from the film 'The Karate Kid', 1984. (Photo by Columbia Pictures/Getty Images)
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Can you believe ‘The Karate Kid’ came out 40 years ago? See how stars Ralph Macchio and William Zabka grew up in our gallery here!

The Karate Kid franchise began in 1984, starring Ralph Macchio, William Zabka, Pat Morita, and more. Over the years, it grew into a beloved franchise, even getting a 2010 reboot starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan. The franchise now includes six films, with the latest installment, Karate Kid: Legends, set to release in 2025.

Beyond the films, the franchise expanded into the hit series Cobra Kai, which introduced a new generation of characters while bringing back familiar faces. Cobra Kai initially premiered on YouTube, but after YouTube stopped producing original programming, Netflix picked up the series starting with season 3. Since then, it has become a massive success. Season 4 premiered on December 31, and season 5 followed shortly after. Over its four seasons, Cobra Kai has featured many familiar faces from The Karate Kid.

Take a look at photos of the cast, then and now!

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‘The Karate Kid’ Cast Then & Now: Ralph Macchio & More

‘The Karate Kid’ Cast Then & Now: Ralph Macchio & More
Everett Collection / Netflix

‘The Karate Kid’ started and ended with Daniel LaRusso. Ralph Macchio rose to fame as the main hero of the beloved franchise, which began with the release of the original movie on June 22, 1984. After a long time away from the role, Ralph reprised his iconic part in the TV series ‘Cobra Kai.’ The series takes place decades after the first film, and Daniel is now a father. Daniel and Johnny Lawrence’s rivalry is still alive and well after all these years. After Daniel learns that Johnny is running the Cobra Kai dojo, Daniel decides to start his own dojo called Miyagi-Do, inspired by the teachings of Mr. Miyagi.

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William Zabka

William Zabka
Columbia/Kobal/Shutterstock/Netflix

William Zabka first appeared in ‘The Karate Kid’ as Johnny Lawrence, Daniel LaRusso’s main rival. He reprised the role in ‘The Karate Kid II.’ William teamed up with Ralph for the spinoff series ‘Cobra Kai.’ William also serves as an executive producer. 

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Thomas Ian Griffith

Thomas Ian Griffith
Moviestore/Shutterstock / Netflix

Thomas Ian Griffith played the villainous Terry Silver in ‘The Karate Kid III.’ Over 30 years after first playing the role, Thomas brought back Terry Silver in ‘Cobra Kai’ season 4. In between the movie and series, Thomas has appeared in several TV and movies. He was also a writer and co-producer of the series ‘Grimm.’

Terry Silver in the 1989 film The Karate Kid Part III, a role he reprised in the 2018 Netflix series, Cobra Kai.[3]

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Martin Kove

Martin Kove
Moviestore/Shutterstock / Netflix

No mercy for Martin Kove! Martin first played the iconic John Kreese, the head of Cobra Kai, in ‘The Karate Kid.’ He returned for two sequels as well. Martin guest-starred in the first season of ‘Cobra Kai’ and has been a series regular since season 2.

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Elisabeth Shue

Elisabeth Shue
Everett Collection / Netflix

Elisabeth Shue made her film debut as Ali Mills, Daniel LaRusso’s love interest, in ‘The Karate Kid.’ She did not return for the sequels, but she did reprise the role in a season 3 episode of ‘Cobra Kai.’ 

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Tamlyn Tomita

Tamlyn Tomita
Everett Collection / Netflix

Tamlyn Tomita made her film debut in ‘The Karate Kid Part II’ as Kumiko, Daniel LaRusso’s girlfriend in the sequel. Daniel crossed paths with Kumiko once again when he took a trip to Okinawa in ‘Cobra Kai’ season 3. She appeared in two episodes. Tamlyn is set to play Yukari in the upcoming ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ series for Netflix. 

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Yuji Okumoto

Yuji Okumoto
Everett Collection / Netflix

Yuji Okumoto starred as Chozen Toguchi in ‘The Karate Kid Part II.’ Chozen was one of ‘The Karate Kid’ franchise’s many villains. Yuji reprised the role of Chozen in two episodes of ‘Cobra Kai’ season 3. When Daniel and Chozen came face-to-face again, fans learned that Chozen in an instructor of Miyagi-Do karate in Okinawa. In real life, Yuji lives in Seattle and runs a restaurant. 

December 30, 2021, 1:12PM