William Michael Zabka, professionally known as William Zabka, is an American actor, producer, screenwriter, and martial artist.
He is best known for portraying Johnny Lawrence in The Karate Kid, The Karate Kid Part II, Cobra Kai, and Karate Kid: Legends.
Over a career spanning more than four decades, Zabka has evolved from playing iconic 1980s movie antagonists to becoming one of television’s most celebrated redemption-story characters.
Essential Data
- Full Name: William Michael Zabka
- Stage Name: William Zabka
- Nickname: Billy
- Born: October 20, 1965
- Age: 60 years old
- Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States
- Occupation: Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Martial Artist
- Nationality: American
- Height: 6 feet 0½ inches (184 cm)
- Ethnicity: White American (Czech, German, and English descent)
- Religion: Christianity
- Parents: Stanley William Zabka, Nancy Heimert Zabka
- Siblings: Guy Zabka, Judy Zabka
- Spouse: Stacie Lynn Doss Zabka
- Children: Two
- Relationship: Married
- Net Worth: $4 million USD
Early Life and Education
William Zabka was born on October 20, 1965, in New York City, New York, United States. He is the son of Stanley William Zabka, a director, writer, and composer, and Nancy Heimert Zabka, a producer and production assistant.
He is of Czech, German, and English ancestry. William grew up with his brother, Guy Zabka, and his sister, Judy Zabka.
During his childhood, his family relocated to California, where he attended El Camino Real Charter High School and graduated in 1983.
He briefly studied film at California State University, Northridge, before leaving college after being cast in The Karate Kid.
Career
William Zabka began his professional acting career in television commercials before landing his breakthrough role as Johnny Lawrence in The Karate Kid (1984).
Although he had no formal karate training at the time, he was an accomplished wrestler, and the film inspired him to study Tang Soo Do, eventually earning a second-degree green belt.
Following the success of The Karate Kid, he appeared in popular films including Just One of the Guys, National Lampoon’s European Vacation, Back to School, and television series such as The Equalizer.
During the 1990s and 2000s, Zabka expanded into filmmaking, co-writing and producing the Academy Award-nominated short film Most (2003). He also directed several music videos, including projects for Rascal Flatts.
In 2018, he returned to international prominence by reprising Johnny Lawrence in Cobra Kai, where he also served as an executive producer.
The series became a global success and reintroduced him to a new generation of viewers. His most recent project includes reprising Johnny Lawrence in Karate Kid: Legends (2025), following the conclusion of Cobra Kai.
Awards and Nominations
- Academy Awards (2004) – Best Live Action Short Film (Most) – Nominee
- Primetime Emmy Awards (2021) – Outstanding Comedy Series (Cobra Kai, Producer) – Nominee
- MTV Movie & TV Awards: Greatest of All Time (2020) – Zero to Hero Award – Winner
- Palm Springs International ShortFest (2003) – Best of the Festival (Most) – Winner
- Heartland International Film Festival (2003) – Crystal Heart Award (Most) – Winner
Social Media
- Instagram: @william_zabka
Personal Life
William Zabka, 60, has been married to Stacie Lynn Doss Zabka since 2008. The couple have two children. Before his marriage, there were no widely verified public reports of long-term relationships.
He stands 6 feet 0½ inches (184 cm) tall. Zabka enjoys playing the guitar, surfing, scuba diving, river rafting, music, and martial arts.
Since returning to the Karate Kid franchise through Cobra Kai, he has continued training in Tang Soo Do and remains active in the martial arts community.
Net Worth
William Zabka has a net worth of $4 million USD. His income is primarily generated through film and television acting, producing, screenwriting, directing, royalties from the Karate Kid franchise, endorsements, and public appearances. The global success of Cobra Kai significantly increased both his career profile and earnings.
Filmography
- The Karate Kid
- Just One of the Guys
- National Lampoon’s European Vacation
- Back to School
- The Karate Kid Part II
- Shootfighter: Fight to the Death
- High Voltage
- Hot Tub Time Machine
- Where Hope Grows
- Most ( Producer/Writer)
- Karate Kid: Legends
Television
- The Equalizer
- How I Met Your Mother
- Psych
- Cobra Kai
- Password (Celebrity Guest)