This former child star never sought the spotlight but embraced an acting career. Almost four decades after the movie that made him popular, he spoke about stepping away from the camera and shared what he had been up to.
This actor rose to fame in 1984 with the classic film franchise “The Karate Kid.” Nearly 40 years later, his physical transformation is evident in photos.
The actor on the set of “The Karate Kid,” 1984 | Source: Getty Images
This teen idol, known for his role as Johnny Lawrence in the blockbuster action film, reflected on how unexpected it was for him to land the part. Despite his doubts, he embraced the challenge, even though he initially didn’t think he fit the character.
The actor pictured on January 1, 1984 | Source: Getty Images
“When I read the ‘Karate Kid’ script, as I turned the pages, I was like, ‘I’m never getting this part. He’s a black belt; I didn’t know karate. He’s a motorcycle gang leader; I don’t know how to ride a motorcycle. He’s mean — the last thing I did was a milk commercial, maybe an M&Ms commercial. They’re never gonna see me as this gang karate guy,'” said the Hollywood star.
In addition to his second-guessing as a teen, the actor had already been exposed to the entertainment world long before “The Karate Kid.” Reflecting on his childhood, he shared how his parents worked in the industry, giving him early experiences on set at just five years old.
The actor seen on location filming “The Karate Kid” on November 8, 1985. in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
He remembered visiting sets like “The Doctors” and meeting other famous people like Chuck Norris, Michael Caine, and David Warner. Though he watched actors perform stunts, the celebrity never intended to be in front of the camera.
The actor at the premiere of “Crossroads,” 1986 | Source: Getty Images
“I didn’t set out to just be an actor. I went to film school before I was cast in ‘The Karate Kid.’ So, I didn’t go to acting school. I wanted to be a filmmaker,” he explained.
The actor photographed at Ed Debevic’s Restaurant on April 29, 1987, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
At only ten years old, the public figure already had an eight-millimeter film camera, and storytelling became his true passion. “Acting or writing, or producing or directing. Anywhere in the wheelhouse, I just knew I was going to be a storyteller,” the star shared.
The actor during Astonish Launch party on November 2, 2006, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Even after finding his place in the entertainment world, the actor faced challenges in maintaining steady work. He looked back on those “long periods of drought” in his career.
The actor attends the Chiller Theatre Expo on April 26, 2013, in Parsippany, New Jersey. | Source: Getty Images
The celebrity explained that there are times when several opportunities arise all at once, followed by periods of no work. Despite these ups and downs, his passion for storytelling kept him moving forward in the industry.
The actor at the premiere of “Where Hope Grows,” 2015 | Source: Getty Images
However, there came a point when he stepped away from acting. He recalled telling his father, “I don’t want to do it anymore,” explaining that what once excited him had become just work.
The actor attends the Build Series on May 2, 2018, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
During his break from acting, he attended music school and played guitar for a while. Reflecting on his early career, he admitted that after starring in “The Karate Kid” at 18, he assumed opportunities would always come his way, but soon learned that wasn’t the case. Transitioning into adulthood also proved to be “tricky” for the actor.
The actor pictured on May 17, 2021, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Despite the obstacles and stepping away from acting, William Zabka returned to the big screen over 35 years later. Married with two children, Zabka successfully returned, starring in the “Karate Kid” spin-off series, “Cobra Kai,” alongside Ralph Macchio, who reprises his role as Daniel La Russo.
As an Emmy contender for his portrayal of the adult Lawrence, Zabka reminisced on his journey, “The 18-year-old me is kicking himself on a beach somewhere. It’s so unbelievable.”
William Zabka attends the Creative Arts Emmys on September 4, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Zabka also revealed, “I always felt like I wasn’t finished with Johnny Lawrence. He was always stirring in me, so I was prepared for a pitch.” However, he admitted having some concerns about turning the iconic movie into a series.
In another interview, when asked if he felt nostalgic working with Martin Kove and Macchio again, the movie star expressed his enjoyment of those moments. He explained that it brought nostalgia in a new way, as the characters now interact as adults rather than an 18-year-old and a man, like in “The Karate Kid.”
In July 2024, Netflix shared a video of Zabka and Macchio watching scenes from “The Karate Kid” together. Zabka reflected on how quickly time passed, while Machhio remarked that the on-screen rivals still looked the same.
YouTubers quickly chimed in, with one commenting, “William is a little younger, but both look superb for their age [sic].” Another added, “They both aged so incredibly well, wth!!!!!” A third echoed the sentiment, stating, “They age like a fine wine [sic].”
Amid his stint in “Cobra Kai,” alongside his co-star, Zabka has continued to balance his career and family life as the series entered its sixth season. He admitted that working on a show for this long was a new experience, especially now that he has kids.
When asked how he manages work and family life in a 2023 interview, Zabka shared, “I love being a dad. I’ve been home for a year since the show wrapped, and I didn’t take any work.”
William Zabka attends “Cobra Kai” LA screening on March 25, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
He added, “I had some offers come along the way, but I just wanted to go and make up for lost time.” The New York native, who described himself as a hands-on parent, emphasized how much he cherishes fatherhood more than anything.
William Zabka’s journey from a young actor in “The Karate Kid” to an Emmy-nominated star in “Cobra Kai” shows his resilience and passion for storytelling. While he faced career challenges and moments of doubt, his dedication to his craft and love for his family have remained constant.
William Zabka at the Los Angeles special screening of “Cobra Kai” Season 6, Part 1 on July 17, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Today, as he enjoys success both on-screen and at home, Zabka continues to inspire fans with his ability to reinvent himself and embrace new opportunities, proving that some stories, like his, are far from over.
