If you were born in the 80s then you’ve definitely said the iconic line “wax on wax off” more than a couple of times in your life.
Hollywood classic Karate Kid may have been released 37 years ago but it still holds a special place in the hearts of a whole generation who grew up watching the special bond between Daniel and Mr Miyagi.
Ralph Macchio became a globally recognised face thanks to his leading role in the movie as the determined teen.
Now as Ralph turns 60, and Netflix’s Cobra Kai brings Daniel LaRusso to a new generation, we take a look at where the cast is today.
Ralph Macchio
Ralph was one of many actors considered to play the role of Daniel LaRusso with Robert Downey Jr, Charlie Sheen and even Tom Cruise in the running before casting directors met Ralph.
The character was slated to be called Daniel Weber but Ralph – who was 22 at the time despite playing a high school student – changed everything when he walked into the casting room and Daniel LaRusso was born.
(Image: Getty Images)
He went on to star in both sequels The Karate Kid Part II and The Karate Kid Part III and was 27 years old by the time the trilogy was complete.
Fast forward to 2021 and Ralph is now back in the role of Daniel thanks to Netflix spin-off series Cobra Kai.
The show is based 30 years on from the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament and focuses on Daniel’s struggle to find balance in life without the guidance of Mr Miyagi.
Elisabeth Shue
(Image: WireImage,)
Elisabeth’s role as Ali Mills shot her to fame on an epic scale.
She scored herself a string of roles in several other hit ’80s movies following on from The Karate Kid thanks to her acting skills and wholesome good looks.
She undoubtedly made the most of her exposure thanks to the film and even appeared in legendary Tom Cruise flick Cocktail, as well as replacing the original Back To The Future actress as Jennifer Parker in the two sequels after Claudia Wells had to pull out of the role.
Elisabeth has maintained her prominence when she earned an Academy Award nomination for her role in Leaving Las Vegas in the ’90s.
Nowadays she has turned her attention to TV work appearing as a series regular on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.
Pat Morita
(Image: WireImage)
Pat was already famous thanks to his role as Matsuo “Arnold” Takahashi on iconic retro family sitcom Happy Days in the ’70s.
But the shining moment of his career was playing legendary Mr Miyagi and teaching Daniel son to become a karate great with his epic wisdom.
Unfortunately Pat died aged 73 on November 24, 2005, at his home in Las Vegas. He was suffering from kidney failure.
William Zabka
(Image: Getty Images)
Billy made his silver screen debut as Daniel’s rival and nasty bully Johnny Lawrence in The Karate Kid.
The character had teenage blood boiling everywhere as he victimised Daniel in a bid to beat him down at every opportunity.
Known for his trademark blonde hair Billy now stars in Cobra Kai with Ralph, reprising his role as Johnny.
Johnny has fallen on hard times in the show and looks to redeem himself and regain control of his life by reopening the notorious Cobra Kai karate dojo.
Randee Heller
(Image: WireImage)
Playing Daniel’s mum Lucille LaRusso Randee was already a recognised face thanks to her role in ’70s sitcom Soap.
But her true big break came with the role as she supported her on-screen son in pursuing his karate champion dreams.
Randee has also turned her hand to a career in TV having appeared on big-name shows The Mentalist, Desperate Housewives, and as Don Draper’s secretary, Miss Blankenship on iconic retro advertising agency inspired series Mad Men.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
