Ralph Macchio has been playing Daniel LaRusso, the iconic Karate Kid, for over four decades. The actor has reprised his role in the latest installment, Karate Kid: Legends, hitting theaters on May 30, 2025. Here's a look back at how old Macchio was in each movie and Cobra Kai season:

The Karate Kid (1984)

Ralph Macchio was 22 years old when he filmed the original Karate Kid movie, although his character was supposed to be 17. The actor has fond memories of working with Pat Morita, who played Mr. Miyagi, saying, "From the original every day working with [Mr. Miyagi actor] Pat Morita, it was a blessed partnership and it still resonates."

The Karate Kid Part II (1986)

In the sequel, Macchio was 24 years old, although his character was still 17. The movie took the action to Japan, and Macchio has fond memories of the tea ceremony scene with costar Tamlyn Tomita, saying, "I remember the tea ceremony scene was a special scene... So much detail and eloquence in that, and I just I love that scene even to this day because it's pure, pure innocence."

The Karate Kid Part III (1989)

In the third installment, Macchio was 27 years old, although Daniel should have been 19. Macchio has been critical of the third film, saying, "I was not a fan of how the Karate Kid III came out... I felt the story was only repeating itself and was not character forwarding for the end of LaRusso."

Cobra Kai Season 1 (2018)

Macchio was 56 years old when he returned to the dojo to play Daniel in the legacy series. The show follows Macchio's Karate Kid character, as he once again becomes martial-arts rivals with Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), whom he originally fought at the All Valley Karate Tournament in the first film.

Cobra Kai Season 2 (2019)

Macchio was 57 years old while filming Season 2 of Cobra Kai. In a 2019 interview, Macchio remarked how "it's crazy" being part of The Karate Kid legacy, and how the characters still live on decades later.

Cobra Kai Season 3 (2021)

While making the third season of Cobra Kai, Macchio was 58 years old. In season 3 of the series, Daniel returned to Japan, and unlike Karate Kid Part II, which was set in Okinawa but filmed in Hawaii, Macchio actually jetted off to Japan this time.

Cobra Kai Season 4 (2021)

Macchio was 59 years old while filming Season 4 of Cobra Kai, making him the same age as the character of Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) in the original Karate Kid.

Cobra Kai Season 5 (2022)

During production for the fifth season of Cobra Kai, Macchio was 60. The actor appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2022 to discuss turning 60 and the continuing impact of The Karate Kid movies with Cobra Kai.

Cobra Kai Season 6 (2024 and 2025)

The fifteen episodes of Cobra Kai season 6 were released in three installments in 2024 and 2025. Macchio was 62 while filming the final season.

Karate Kid: Legends (2025)

The latest chapter of The Karate Kid story is the movie Karate Kid: Legends, which takes place after the sixth and final season of Cobra Kai. Karate Kid: Legends was filmed in spring 2024, making Macchio 62 during production.

When asked if he would return to the Karate Kid universe in the future, Macchio told The Hollywood Reporter in May 2025, "We'll see."

"As long as it's honest, genuine, and truthful to the base of this character and these characters, I'll always be open to listen," he continued. "Because I like that the next generation can experience the joy of what we've been through."

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Source: https://olostars.com