The Karate Kid's Enduring Legacy: Interviews with Ralph Macchio and William Zabka

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, "The Karate Kid" continues to captivate generations of viewers with its timeless themes and memorable characters. In a candid interview, stars Ralph Macchio and William Zabka share their experiences growing up as teen actors, the enduring impact of the film, and their return to the franchise in the Netflix series "Cobra Kai."

"The Karate Kid" is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The movie starred Hollywood newcomers Ralph Macchio and William Zabka, as well as seasoned veterans, such as Pat Morita and Martin Kove. Originally released in 1984, the movie follows the new kid in town, Daniel LaRusso, as he struggles to find his footing and accidentally steps on the toes of the town's biggest bully, Johnny Lawrence. He then finds himself taken under the wing of the older and wiser Mr. Miyagi, who teaches him how to defend himself, and when to use his fists.

The Karate Kid's Enduring Legacy: Interviews with Ralph Macchio and William Zabka

In the 40 years since its release, the movie has spawned three sequels, a remake, and a television series starring many of the film's original cast. Here is what they have been up to since 1984.

Macchio played Daniel LaRusso in "The Karate Kid." (Getty Images)

The Karate Kid's Enduring Legacy: Interviews with Ralph Macchio and William Zabka

Ralph Macchio got his big break in Hollywood with his role in "The Outsiders" before playing Daniel LaRusso in "The Karate Kid." He went on to star in two of the franchise's sequels.

In addition to the sequels, Macchio starred in "Crossroads," going on to star in the Broadway play "Cuba and His Teddy Bear," alongside Robert De Niro that same year. Later, he starred alongside Joe Pesci and Marisa Tomei in the comedy "My Cousin Vinny," and then landed the starring role in the 1996 Tony Award-winning revival of the Broadway musical, "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying."

The Karate Kid's Enduring Legacy: Interviews with Ralph Macchio and William Zabka

He would go on to appear in "Ugly Betty," "Hitchcock," and "The Deuce." Since 2018, Macchio has been starring in the Netflix reboot of the movie, called "Cobra Kai," which follows former enemies Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence as they open rival dojos. The show was renewed for a fifth and final season.

"Season 5 ends in a way where it seems like everything is OK, but being we are in a karate soap opera, which is what ‘Cobra Kai’ is. Anything can happen," he told USA Today in October 2022. 

The Karate Kid's Enduring Legacy: Interviews with Ralph Macchio and William Zabka

Macchio met his wife when he was 15 years old, and they have two kids together. (Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic)

Macchio met his wife, Phyllis Fierro, when he was 15 years old, and they have been married since 1987. They have two kids, Julia and Daniel. 

The Karate Kid's Enduring Legacy: Interviews with Ralph Macchio and William Zabka

Morita received an Academy Award nomination for his role in "The Karate Kid." (Getty Images)

Pat Morita made many appearances in both film and television throughout the ‘60s and ’70s, most notably in "Sanford and Sons," "Mr. T and Tina," and "Happy Days," before starring as Mr. Miyagi in "The Karate Kid" and its sequels, a role that earned him an Oscar nomination.

The Karate Kid's Enduring Legacy: Interviews with Ralph Macchio and William Zabka

Following the success of the movie, Morita starred in "Ohara," "Collision Course," "Bloodsport 2," and "The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo."

Later, he starred in "Inferno," "Adventures with Kanga Roddy," "The Boys of Sunset Ridge," and voiced the emperor of China in the animated movie "Mulan," and its sequel.

The Karate Kid's Enduring Legacy: Interviews with Ralph Macchio and William Zabka

Morita was married to Kathleen Yamachi from 1953 to 1967, and they had one daughter, Erin. Later, he married Yukiye Kitahara from 1970 to 1989, and they had two daughters, Aly and Tia. ​He then married Evelyn Guerrero in 1994.