WE'LL ALWAYS BE FAMILY

FORTY YEARS AFTER THE PREMIERE OF KARATE KID, THE STARS GEAR UP FOR THE FINAL SEASON OF ITS SPINOFF SERIES, COBRA KAI-AND STILL GET A KICK OUT OF EACH OTHER

- BREANNE L. HELDMAN

When The Karate Kid hit movie theaters in June 1984, stars Ralph Macchio and William Zabka never could have imagined the affection fans would have for it decades later-or the friendship they would ultimately build. Now, as they face the sixth and final season of the story's continuation on Cobra Kai (part 1 of three drops July 18 on Netflix), Macchio, 62, and Zabka, 58, reflect on their "wonderful" journey.

What was your relationship like after Karate Kid came out?

RALPH MACCHIO I lived on the East Coast, he lived on the West Coast, and life got in the way. We hadn't spoken in 15, 20 years at the point that Pat [Morita, who played Mr. Miyagi] passed away [in 2005].

I remember seeing Billy at the memorial service, and I instantly had this emotional feeling. It was a comfort seeing him there. And from that point on, our adult friendship started to happen, and it was quite meaningful.

WILLIAM ZABKA We both came from our worlds to a center point where it all started. Pat meant a lot to us individually, so it’s interesting, in hindsight, how Miyagi has brought us together.