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Ralph Macchio

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For the editor, seeRalph Macchio (editor).

Ralph Macchio
Macchio atGalaxyConRichmond in 2019
Born
Ralph George Macchio Jr.

(1961-11-04)November 4, 1961(age 62)[1]
Huntington, New York,U.S.
OccupationActor
Years active1979–present
Spouse
Phyllis Fierro
​
(m.1987)​
Children2

Ralph George Macchio Jr.(/ˈmɑːtʃioʊ/MAH-chee-oh,Italian:[ˈmakkjo];born November 4, 1961) is an American actor. He is best known for playingDaniel LaRussoin threeKarate Kidfilms (the 1984 filmThe Karate Kidand its sequels,The Karate Kid Part IIin 1986, andThe Karate Kid Part IIIin 1989), as well as inCobra Kai,a sequeltelevisionseries onNetflix.Macchio also played Johnny Cade inThe Outsiders(1983), Jeremy Andretti in the television seriesEight Is Enough,William Gambini inMy Cousin Vinny(1992), Eugene Martone inCrossroads(1986), and Archie Rodriguez in the television seriesUgly Betty.He also had a recurring role as Officer Haddix in the television seriesThe Deuce.

Early life[edit]

Macchio was born inHuntington, New York.[1]He is the son of Rosalie (née DeSantis) and Ralph George Macchio Sr., who owned a fewlaundromatsand a wastewater disposal company. Macchio has a younger brother named Steven.[2]His father is of half Italian and halfGreek[3]descent, and his mother is ofItalianancestry.[4]In a 1980screen test,Macchio said his family was fromNaples.[5]In 1979, Macchio graduated fromHalf Hollow Hills High School WestinDix Hills, New York.[6]

Macchio began tap dancing lessons at the age of three and was discovered by atalent agentat the age of 16.[1]

Career[edit]

Early roles[edit]

Macchio was cast as Jeremy Andretti for a season in the television seriesEight Is Enough.[1]He next won the role of Johnny Cade in the 1983 filmThe Outsiders.[1]

Karate Kidfilms[edit]

Macchio's work onThe Outsidershelped him win the role ofDaniel LaRussoin the 1984 blockbuster filmThe Karate Kid.Macchio continued to portray the character in two of its sequels,The Karate Kid Part II(1986) andThe Karate Kid Part III(1989).[1][7]InThe Karate Kid,Macchio portrayed a "high school weakling turned bullybuster"[8]who learns karate from his friend and mentor, Mr. Miyagi (portrayed byPat Morita).[9]Macchio's work in theKarate Kidseries made him "stratospherically famous."[7]

Later roles[edit]

Macchio appeared in the 1986 filmCrossroads,portraying music student Eugene Martone. That same year, Macchio starred inCuba and His Teddy BearonBroadway,alongsideRobert De Niro.[1][10]In 1992, Macchio starred oppositeJoe PesciandMarisa Tomeiin the hit comedy filmMy Cousin Vinny,playing Billy Gambini, who was wrongfully accused of murder while passing through a smallAlabamatown.[1]In 1996, Macchio performed the lead role of J. Pierrepont Finch in the U.S. tour revival of the 1962 Tony Award-winning musicalHow 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."[11][12]

In 2005, Macchio played himself in theHBOseriesEntourage.[1]Beginning in October 2008, Macchio appeared in several episodes of theABC Networktelevision seriesUgly Bettyas Archie Rodriguez, a local politician who is Hilda's love interest.[13]As of November 2008, Macchio was ranked No. 80 amongVH1's100 Greatest Teen Stars.[14]

On September 20, 2010, Macchio played the adult Carl Morelli in a staged reading of theCharles MessinaplayA Room of My Ownpresented by the Bleecker Street Theater Company.[15]In February 2011, it was announced that Macchio would compete on ABC'sDancing with the Stars.He was eliminated during the semi-finals, placing fourth in the overall competition.[16]Macchio appeared in Canadian bandDanko Jones' music videos for "Had Enough" and "I Think Bad Thoughts."[17]

In April 2012, Macchio was cast in the filmHitchcock,based on the non-fiction bookAlfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho.He portrayedPsychoscreenwriterJoseph Stefano.[18]

Post-Karate KidandCobra Kai[edit]

Macchio in 2017

Macchio appeared in the 2007 music video for the song "Sweep the Leg"byNo More Kingsas a caricature of himself and Daniel LaRusso fromThe Karate Kid.[19][20]

In June 2010, Macchio appeared inFunny 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 toThe Karate Kid.[21]A recurring joke in the sketch is that Macchio is confused for an adolescent. The short was lauded byTV Guide's Bruce Fretts, who referred to the video as "sidesplitting" and "comic gold."[22]

In 2013, Macchio appeared inHow I Met Your Mother.One of the main characters,Barney Stinson,asserts that Macchio's character, Daniel LaRusso, inThe Karate Kidis not the real karate kid; instead, it isJohnny Lawrence,Daniel's nemesis in the film.[23]

During a celebration of the 30th anniversary ofThe Karate Kidat theJapanese American National Museumin 2014, Macchio said that the yellow 1947 Ford convertible that his character Daniel receives from Mr. Miyagi in the first film was sitting in his garage.[24]

On August 4, 2017, it was announced that Macchio would reprise his role as Daniel LaRusso in a 10-episode Karate Kid revival series for YouTube Red titledCobra Kaithat debuted in 2018. Macchio also co-executive produces the series withWilliam Zabka.[1][25]The series begins 33 years after the events of the first film, and re-examines the "Miyagi-Verse"narrative from Johnny's point of view, beginning with his decision to reopen the Cobra Kaikaratedojo,and the rekindling of his old rivalry with Daniel, who has been struggling to maintain balance in his life without the guidance of his now deceased mentor,Mr. Miyagi.[26][27][28]

In 2022, Macchio published the memoirWaxing On: The Karate Kid and Me(Dutton), in which he reflects upon the legacy of theKarate Kidfilms andCobra Kai.[29]

Personal life[edit]

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.[30]Fierro is a nurse practitioner.[30][31][24]

Macchio is a fan of theNew York Islandershockey team and was featured as the team's celebrity captain in the 1991 Pro Set Platinum trading card series.[32]A 2016 bobblehead promotion saw his likeness in the team's uniform donning the iconic 'crane kick' pose fromThe Karate Kid.[33]

Filmography[edit]

Film[edit]

Year Title Role Notes
1980 Up the Academy Chooch Bambalazi
1982 High Powder Eddie Television film
Dangerous Company Denny Brody Television film
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
1990 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
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 Short film
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[34] Himself, concept writer Short film
2012 Hitchcock Joseph Stefano
Holiday Spin Ruben Television film
2013 He's Way More Famous Than You Himself
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 Daniel LaRusso Post-production

Television[edit]

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 Himself 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[35] 2 episodes: "The Smoking Bun" and "Phat Monkey"
Conan Himself Episode: "Conan Without Borders: Japan"; pre-recorded video clip[36]
2018–present Cobra Kai Daniel LaRusso Main role
Continuation ofThe Karate Kidfilm series

Theatre[edit]

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[37][38]

Music videos[edit]

Music videos
Year Title Artist Role
2007 Sweep the Leg No More Kings Himself
2010 "Had Enough" Danko Jones Dr. Lee Dorian
2011 "I Think Bad Thoughts" Danko Jones Dr. Lee Dorian
2012 "The Ballad of Danko Jones" Danko Jones Dr. Lee Dorian

Video game[edit]

Year Title Role
2020 Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues Daniel LaRusso
2022 Cobra Kai 2: Dojos Rising Daniel LaRusso

Book[edit]

  • Macchio, Ralph (2022).Waxing On: The Karate Kid and Me.Dutton.ISBN978-0593185834.[29]

References[edit]

  1. ^abcdefghij"Ralph Macchio".Biography (TV program).August 16, 2019.Archivedfrom the original on April 29, 2020.RetrievedNovember 13,2019.
  2. ^"Open Legislation: Resolution J3158-2009: Congratulating Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Macchio upon the occasion of their 50th Anniversary".NY State Senate.September 10, 2009. Archived fromthe originalon November 9, 2013.
  3. ^"American Gypsies: Q&A With Executive Producer Ralph Macchio".National Geographic Society.Archived fromthe originalon October 3, 2013.RetrievedOctober 4,2013.Actually, I have a little Greek in the bloodstream as well (my Dad is half Greek).
  4. ^Q&A With Executive Producer Ralph MacchioArchivedAugust 19, 2012, at theWayback Machine.National Geographic Channel.
  5. ^"Ralph Macchio and Phil Hartman screen test".Youtube.March 4, 2014.Archivedfrom the original on November 17, 2021.RetrievedOctober 10,2014.
  6. ^Welsh, James M.; Phillips, Gene D.; Hill, Rodney F. (2010).The Francis Ford Coppola Encyclopedia.Scarecrow Press. p. 167.ISBN9780810876514.
  7. ^abFreeman, Hadley (August 25, 2020)."Karate Kid Ralph Macchio: 'I'm at peace with the choices I made'".The Guardian.Archivedfrom the original on August 23, 2021.RetrievedAugust 23,2021.
  8. ^Cerone, Daniel (July 1, 1989)."Macchio at 27: The Man Who Lives Inside the 'Kid'".Los Angeles Times.Archivedfrom the original on February 22, 2022.RetrievedAugust 23,2021.
  9. ^Rosen, J.J. (November 22, 2019)."Mr. Miyagi and the quest for the perfect mentor".The Tennessean.Archivedfrom the original on February 10, 2023.RetrievedAugust 23,2021.
  10. ^Gussow, Mel (May 19, 1986)."Theater: 'Cuba and His Teddy Bear'".The New York Times.Archivedfrom the original on April 17, 2020.RetrievedApril 25,2019.
  11. ^"How Ralph MacchioSucceeds".Playbill.April 24, 1996. Archived fromthe originalon September 8, 2012.RetrievedMarch 23,2011.
  12. ^Rousuck, J. Wynn (May 31, 1996)."A cheery revival for 'How to Succeed' Review: Grown-up Ralph Macchio charms as this updated '61 Pulitzer Prize musical opens a national tour here".The Baltimore Sun.Archived fromthe originalon September 22, 2012.RetrievedMarch 23,2011.
  13. ^DiNunno, Gina (March 12, 2009)."Ugly Betty's Ralph Macchio Returns for Some Romance".TV Guide.Archivedfrom the original on August 23, 2021.RetrievedAugust 23,2021.
  14. ^"100 Greatest Teen Stars #'s 80-61".vh1devas2000live.com.MTV Networks. Archived fromthe originalon December 6, 2008.RetrievedNovember 15,2008.
  15. ^Lenzi, Linda (September 21, 2010)."Photo Coverage: Cantone, Macchio et al. in A ROOM OF MY OWN".Broadway World.Archivedfrom the original on November 5, 2011.RetrievedJune 24,2011.
  16. ^Chen, Joyce (May 18, 2011)."'Dancing with the Stars' semi-finals recap: Ralph Macchio, Karina Smirnoff knocked out of the running ".Daily News.New York.Archivedfrom the original on May 21, 2011.RetrievedMay 18,2011.
  17. ^Kenneally, Tim (March 28, 2011)."Ralph Macchio, Elijah Wood Think Bad Thoughts in Indie Music Clip".The Wrap.Archivedfrom the original on April 4, 2011.RetrievedMarch 28,2011.
  18. ^Fleming, Mike Jr (April 17, 2012)."Ralph Macchio Plays 'Psycho' Scribe Joe Stefano In 'Hitchcock'".Deadline Hollywood.Archivedfrom the original on April 19, 2012.RetrievedApril 19,2012.
  19. ^Anagnoson, Alex (December 14, 2021)."WATCH: 'Cobra Kai' Cast Starred in a 2007 Music Video".Heavy.Archivedfrom the original on October 30, 2022.RetrievedOctober 20,2022.
  20. ^No More Kings "Sweep the Leg" (No More Kings Official YouTube Page)onYouTube
  21. ^"Wax On, F*ck Off with Ralph Macchio"ArchivedOctober 30, 2022, at theWayback MachineFunny or Die;2010
  22. ^Fretts, Bruce. "Cheers & Jeers";TV Guide;July 5, 2010; Page 92
  23. ^Gonzalez, Sandra (April 29, 2013)."'How I Met Your Mother' recap: The Barney ".Entertainment Weekly.Archivedfrom the original on March 2, 2016.RetrievedOctober 27,2015.
  24. ^abChi, Paul (June 1, 2009)."'The Karate Kid' All Grown Up ".People.Archivedfrom the original on May 19, 2018.RetrievedMay 4,2018.
  25. ^Goldberg, Lesley (August 4, 2017)."'Karate Kid' TV Sequel, Starring Ralph Macchio and William Zabka, a Go at YouTube Red ".The Hollywood Reporter.Archivedfrom the original on June 28, 2019.RetrievedFebruary 9,2018.
  26. ^Goldberg, Lesley (August 4, 2017)."'Karate Kid' TV Sequel, Starring Ralph Macchio and William Zabka, a Go at YouTube Red ".MSN.Microsoft. Archived fromthe originalon March 22, 2018.RetrievedMarch 22,2018.
  27. ^Topel, Fred (April 27, 2019)."'Cobra Kai' Season 2: About That 'Karate Kid' Reunion in Episode 6… "./Film.Archivedfrom the original on May 12, 2021.RetrievedOctober 21,2019.
  28. ^Haddad, Vincent (February 11, 2019)."Masculinity on the Mat".Public Books.Archivedfrom the original on September 22, 2020.RetrievedOctober 19,2019.
  29. ^abGardner, Chris (October 30, 2022)."Ralph Macchio on How He Survived Lean Years in His Career:" I Still Live Fairly Modestly "".Hollywood Reporter.Archivedfrom the original on October 30, 2022.RetrievedOctober 30,2022.
  30. ^ab"Ralph Macchio's 50th Birthday: From Karate Kid To Dancing Star".Huffington Post.January 4, 2012. slide 6.Archivedfrom the original on April 2, 2015.RetrievedMarch 29,2015.
  31. ^Valle, Jocelyn (June 25, 2010)."Whatever happened to Ralph Macchio?".Philippine Daily Inquirer.Archived fromthe originalon June 28, 2010.RetrievedDecember 5,2010.
  32. ^Barry, Sal (November 4, 2016)."Ralph Macchio: Celebrity Hockey Captain".Puck Junk.Archived fromthe originalon January 5, 2022.RetrievedJanuary 6,2021.
  33. ^"Ralph Macchio gets kicking Islanders bobblehead".NHL.com.October 25, 2016.Archivedfrom the original on June 20, 2021.RetrievedMarch 3,2021.
  34. ^Bierly, Mandi (June 11, 2010)."Ralph Macchio Q&A: The story behind 'Wax On, F*ck Off'".Entertainment Weekly.Archivedfrom the original on April 24, 2018.RetrievedApril 23,2018.
  35. ^Bubbeo, Daniel (February 9, 2018)."Ralph Macchio to guest star on 'Kevin Can Wait'".Newsday.Archivedfrom the original on April 18, 2018.RetrievedApril 17,2018.Macchio will guest star on two episodes... Macchio will play 'Alviti,' the head of a company turning Long Island properties into parking lots
  36. ^Maglio, Tony (November 30, 2018)."Watch 'Conan' Producer Jordan Schlansky Get Totally Owned by Childhood Hero Ralph Macchio (Video)".The Wrap.Archivedfrom the original on December 1, 2018.RetrievedDecember 2,2018.
  37. ^Rousuck, J. Wynn (May 31, 1996)."A cheery revival for 'How to Succeed' Review: Grown-up Ralph Macchio charms as this updated '61 Pulitzer Prize musical opens a national tour here'".The Baltimore Sun.Archived fromthe originalon September 22, 2012.RetrievedMarch 22,2011.
  38. ^Berson, Misha (October 10, 1996)."'How To Succeed' In Show Business... – Since His 'Karate Kid' Days, Ralph Macchio Has Matured – In Age And Talent ".The Seattle Times.Archivedfrom the original on October 2, 2012.RetrievedJuly 31,2020.

External links[edit]

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