The Karate Kid left an indelible mark on its stars, propelling them to success in various endeavors over the years. Here’s what some of the key cast members have been up to since the film’s release:

  1. Ralph Macchio: Following his iconic role as Daniel LaRusso, Macchio continued to appear in films and TV shows, including popular movies like The Outsiders and My Cousin Vinny. He also showcased his dancing skills on Dancing With the Stars in 2011. In 2022, Macchio published his memoir, “Waxing On: The Karate Kid and Me.” He remains married to his wife, Phyllis Fierro, with whom he has two children.
  2. Pat Morita: Morita received widespread acclaim, including an Oscar nomination, for his portrayal of Mr. Miyagi. He continued to guest-star in television shows like Baywatch and The Hughleys. Morita passed away in 2005, but his legacy lives on through his timeless performance as Mr. Miyagi.
  3. Randee Heller: Heller, who played Daniel’s mother, Lucille, in The Karate Kid franchise, continued to act in various TV shows and films. She earned an Emmy nomination for her role in “A Crooked Somebody” and appeared in Cobra Kai. Heller maintains a relationship with Ralph Macchio, often exchanging emails and texts with her former movie son.
  4. Elisabeth Shue: Shue, known for her role as Ali in The Karate Kid, enjoyed success in the 1980s and 90s, winning an Oscar for “Leaving Las Vegas.” She has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including “CSI” and “The Boys,” and has been married to filmmaker Davis Guggenheim since 1994.
  5. William Zabka: Zabka, who portrayed Johnny Lawrence, continued to pursue acting and also ventured into directing and producing. He earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Live Action Short Film for “Most” and appeared in various TV shows. Zabka’s performance in The Karate Kid defied expectations and became a defining role in his career.
  6. Martin Kove: Kove, known for his role as Cobra Kai sensei John Kreese, remained active in the entertainment industry, appearing in action-thriller projects and reality TV shows like “Dancing With the Stars.” He reprised his role as Kreese in Cobra Kai and became a main cast member on the series.

Overall, The Karate Kid cast members have continued to make their mark in Hollywood, showcasing their talent and versatility in a variety of roles and projects over the years.

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