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.
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