He may turn 60 later this year and have two adult children, but Ralph Macchio accepts that he will always be thought of as a kid – specifically the Karate Kid – thanks to the iconic film he starred in nearly 37 years ago.
The phenomenally successful film and the two sequels he appeared in have defined his acting career, but Ralph doesn’t have a problem with that. Although he reckons, “I always joke that if there’s a fly in a restaurant, I have about nine seconds to get out before someone’s handing me a pair of chopsticks.”
He’s referring, of course, to the famous scene in The Karate Kid where his character deftly catches the insect with chopsticks. People often quote whole scenes from the 1984 film to him word for word and he’d be a multimillionaire if he had a dollar for every time somebody said, “wax on, wax off” (remember how waxing his mentor Mr Miyagi’s car helped him to learn karate moves?).
But that’s okay because not only did the film give him some amazing experiences back in the ‘80s, but it has led to a reboot of his career, which went through the doldrums in the ‘90s and 2000s.
He’s once again playing karate champ Daniel LaRusso in a TV series called Cobra Kai, which picks up over 35 years from where The Karate Kid left off. The show, now on Netflix and in its third series, has become an unexpected hit, and Ralph is very grateful.
Denne historien er fra February 08, 2021-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra February 08, 2021-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
The perfect GETAWAY
From lengthy airport clinches to party ghosting, Michéle examines goodbyes
Message in a BOTTLE
Kevin makes a discovery in his shed that piques his detective skills
Empowered & thriving! PERFECT AT ANY AGE
Weekly editor Marilynn bravely shares her bold new approach to living her best life at 50 and beyond
Nature goals FIND YOUR GREEN SPACE
From stressed to refreshed! Lifestyle medicine practitioner Dr Jenny Brockis shares the simple steps you should adopt to give your wellbeing a boost
Nature & the city KELLY & MARLEY'S WILD PROJECT
The podcaster’s eyes have been opened to a new way of life
TikTok star Paris 'I'M BRINGING OUR KAI TO THE WORLD
After a tough start to motherhood, the foodie tells how she reclaimed her life
Love and the city! WENDYL'S CHANGE OF HEART
After a decade in the country, she’s given up the good life to return home
New TV star Andy 'I THOUGHT BEIN AN ALL BLACK WAS TOUGH!' Кро
It was a big shift channelling his talent into the hit show Moving Houses, but the sporting legend is a natural
Babies and beyond! INES HEALS BRAD'S HEART
The actor is embracing life with his zero-drama’ partner
Spreading the joy SIR ASHLEY'S KINDNESS CLUB
The Kiwi health legend is taking a jab at teaching kids important life skills