TMC
11-02-2022, 08:12 PM
https://www.avclub.com/ralph-macchio-interview-waxing-on-cobrai-kai-karate-kid-1849702778
Judging by his eternally youthful looks, it’s hard to believe it’s been 38 years since Ralph Macchio (https://www.avclub.com/ralph-macchio-the-karate-kid-elisabeth-shue-cobra-kai-1849667288) crane-kicked his way into our hearts. It was the summer of 1984 when The Karate Kid (https://www.avclub.com/film/reviews/the-karate-kid-1984) introduced us to Daniel LaRusso, a role that earned Macchio a three-picture deal that would catapult him to super stardom. But playing the role of the titular underdog in the hugely successful film franchise also cast a shadow that Macchio could never quite escape—for better or worse.
In his new memoir, Waxing On: The Karate Kid And Me (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/678102/waxing-on-by-ralph-macchio/), Macchio reflects on that typecasting and other career frustrations he faced after taking on the life-changing role, and reveals how found himself back in the dojo spotlight, reprising the role of LaRusso in the hit Netflix series Cobra Kai (https://www.avclub.com/tv/reviews/cobra-kai)—a new wave of success he could’ve never imagined.
The original Karate Kid recently talked to The A.V. Club about the legacy of the franchise and how he has re-embraced the role. Macchio also shares his thoughts on the potential for spin-offs within the “Miyagiverse,” whether or not Hilary Swank will reprise the role of Julie Pierce and join the party that is Cobra Kai, and what he might be doing as an alternate career path if The Karate Kid never happened.
Judging by his eternally youthful looks, it’s hard to believe it’s been 38 years since Ralph Macchio (https://www.avclub.com/ralph-macchio-the-karate-kid-elisabeth-shue-cobra-kai-1849667288) crane-kicked his way into our hearts. It was the summer of 1984 when The Karate Kid (https://www.avclub.com/film/reviews/the-karate-kid-1984) introduced us to Daniel LaRusso, a role that earned Macchio a three-picture deal that would catapult him to super stardom. But playing the role of the titular underdog in the hugely successful film franchise also cast a shadow that Macchio could never quite escape—for better or worse.
In his new memoir, Waxing On: The Karate Kid And Me (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/678102/waxing-on-by-ralph-macchio/), Macchio reflects on that typecasting and other career frustrations he faced after taking on the life-changing role, and reveals how found himself back in the dojo spotlight, reprising the role of LaRusso in the hit Netflix series Cobra Kai (https://www.avclub.com/tv/reviews/cobra-kai)—a new wave of success he could’ve never imagined.
The original Karate Kid recently talked to The A.V. Club about the legacy of the franchise and how he has re-embraced the role. Macchio also shares his thoughts on the potential for spin-offs within the “Miyagiverse,” whether or not Hilary Swank will reprise the role of Julie Pierce and join the party that is Cobra Kai, and what he might be doing as an alternate career path if The Karate Kid never happened.