Ralph George Macchio Jr, professionally known as Ralph Macchio, is an American actor, producer, director, and author.
He is best known for portraying Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid film series, Cobra Kai, and Karate Kid: Legends. He has also starred in The Outsiders, Crossroads, My Cousin Vinny, Ugly Betty, and The Deuce.
Essential Data
- Full Name: Ralph George Macchio Jr.
- Stage Name: Ralph Macchio
- Born: November 4, 1961
- Age: 64 years old
- Birthplace: Huntington, New York, United States
- Occupation: Actor, Producer, Director, Author
- Nationality: American
- Height: 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm)
- Ethnicity: White American (Italian and Greek descent)
- Religion: Christianity
- Parents: Ralph George Macchio Sr., Rosalie Macchio
- Siblings: Steven Macchio
- Spouse: Phyllis Fierro
- Children: Julia Macchio, Daniel Macchio
- Relationship: Married
- Net Worth: $8 million USD
Early Life and Education
Ralph Macchio was born on November 4, 1961, in Huntington, New York, United States, to Ralph George Macchio Sr., who owned laundromats and a wastewater disposal company, and Rosalie Macchio. He grew up with his younger brother, Steven Macchio.
He attended Half Hollow Hills High School West in Dix Hills, New York, graduating in 1979. He began taking tap dancing lessons at the age of three and was discovered by a talent agent when he was 16, leading him into the entertainment industry.
Career
Ralph Macchio began his acting career with television commercials before joining the cast of Eight Is Enough in 1980.
His breakthrough came in 1983 when he portrayed Johnny Cade in The Outsiders, followed by his career-defining role as Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid (1984).
He reprised the role in The Karate Kid Part II (1986), The Karate Kid Part III (1989), the Netflix series Cobra Kai (2018–2025), and Karate Kid: Legends (2025).
He also starred in Crossroads, My Cousin Vinny, Too Much Sun, Hitchcock, Ugly Betty, and The Deuce while serving as a producer on Cobra Kai.
In 2022, he published his memoir, Waxing On: The Karate Kid and Me, which became a New York Times bestseller.
Following the conclusion of Cobra Kai, Macchio reprised Daniel LaRusso in Karate Kid: Legends, alongside Jackie Chan, continuing the legacy of the franchise for a new generation.
At present, Karate Kid: Legends is his most recently released major film, and there are no officially confirmed upcoming film or television projects attached to him.
Although discussions about a possible My Cousin Vinny sequel have taken place, no project has been officially announced.
Awards and Nominations
- Hollywood Walk of Fame – Star Recipient (2024)
- Critics’ Choice Television Awards – Best Actor in a Comedy Series (Cobra Kai) – Nominee
- Primetime Emmy Awards – Outstanding Comedy Series (Cobra Kai, Producer) – Nominee
- Young Artist Awards – Multiple Nominations
- TV Land Awards – Winner (The Karate Kid)
Social Media
- Instagram: @ralph_macchio
- Facebook: Ralph Macchio
Personal Life
Ralph Macchio, 64, has been married to Phyllis Fierro since 1987. The couple first met through his grandmother when he was 15 years old and have remained together ever since.
They have two children: Julia Macchio, an actress and dancer, and Daniel Macchio, who has worked in the entertainment industry. He stands 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall.
Net Worth
Ralph Macchio has a net worth of $8 million USD. His income is primarily generated through film and television acting, producing, directing, book sales, royalties from The Karate Kid franchise, endorsements, and public appearances. The global success of Cobra Kai and Karate Kid: Legends has further strengthened his career and financial success.
Filmography
- Up the Academy
- The Outsiders
- The Karate Kid
- Teachers
- The Karate Kid Part II
- Crossroads
- The Karate Kid Part III
- My Cousin Vinny
- Naked in New York
- Too Much Sun
- Hitchcock
- Karate Kid: Legends
Television
- Eight Is Enough
- Ugly Betty
- Dancing with the Stars
- The Deuce
- Cobra Kai