• William Zabka is a famous actor
  • He starred in 'Karate Kid'
  • Find out more about his life and career here

William Zabka plays Karate Kid's bad-boy "Johnny Lawrence", the first big role of his career! Born October 20, 1965, Zabka was just 19 years old when he starred in the hit martial arts drama! But after his rise to fame in The Karate Kid and its sequel The Karate Kid Part II (1986), where did William Zabka disappear for 32 years? 

While he stayed under the radar, William Zabka was still very much active appearing in films and series including:

  • The Equalizer (1985-1989)
  • Falcon Down (2000)
  • Hot Tub Time Machine (2010)
  • and How I Met Your Mother (Season 8 and 9)

William Zabka Karate Kid

William Zabka, Karate Kid's "Johnny Lawrence", plays "Daniel LaRusso's" (Ralph Macchio's) nemesis in the series, and while we originally aren't his biggest fans, towards the end of the film we realize he's not as big a bully we thought he was!

Underneath that bad-boy attitude, "Johnny" has quite the heart, just like his on-screen actor William Zabka! However, it would take audiences almost 34 years after the release of The Karate Kid to learn more about him. 

William Zabka Today: Cobra Kai

In 2018, Karate Kid spin-off series Cobra Kai was released on YouTube and it was well worth the long wait! Giving us the much-needed insight into "Johnny's" mind and side of things, Cobra Kai makes us learn to love "Johnny" and even root for him! 

The spin-off series was so popular that it now has five seasons in 2023! William Zabka, now 58, has gotten his much-needed redemption with the series. In the meantime, make sure to catch up with The Karate Kid's William Zabka, who is much more tech-savvy than "Johnny" on Instagram!

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Quiz

Who does Chad Lindberg play in the original film?

'Cobra Kai' 'Karate Kid' Quiz

Quiz

Which 'Karate Kid' actor was originally turned down from his role?