Career Timeline of Ralph Macchio: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Ralph Macchio made an impact.

Ralph Macchio is an American actor renowned for his portrayal of Daniel LaRusso in the Karate Kid film series and the sequel television series, Cobra Kai. His career began with the television series Eight Is Enough, and he gained further recognition for his roles as Johnny Cade in The Outsiders, William Gambini in My Cousin Vinny, and Eugene Martone in Crossroads. Macchio also had notable appearances in television series such as Ugly Betty and The Deuce, showcasing his versatility as an actor across film and television.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1983: The Outsiders Film Role

In 1983, Ralph Macchio played Johnny Cade in The Outsiders.

1983: Role in The Outsiders

In 1983, Ralph Macchio secured the role of Johnny Cade in the film The Outsiders.

1984: Casting in The Karate Kid

In 1984, Ralph Macchio landed the role of Daniel LaRusso in the blockbuster film, The Karate Kid.

1984: The Karate Kid Film Release

In 1984, Ralph Macchio starred as Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid, a blockbuster film about a high school student who learns karate from Mr. Miyagi.

1986: Film and Broadway Appearances

In 1986, Ralph Macchio appeared in the film Crossroads as music student Eugene Martone. Also in 1986, he starred in Cuba and His Teddy Bear on Broadway alongside Robert De Niro.

1986: Return in The Karate Kid Part II

In 1986, Ralph Macchio reprised his role as Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid Part II.

1986: The Karate Kid Part II and Crossroads Appearances

In 1986, Ralph Macchio reprised his role as Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid Part II. He also appeared in the film Crossroads as music student Eugene Martone.

1989: The Karate Kid Part III Film Release

In 1989, Ralph Macchio continued his role as Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid Part III, the third installment of the film series.

1992: My Cousin Vinny Film Role

In 1992, Ralph Macchio played William Gambini in the film My Cousin Vinny.

1992: Starring in My Cousin Vinny

In 1992, Ralph Macchio starred as Billy Gambini in the hit comedy film My Cousin Vinny, alongside Joe Pesci and Marisa Tomei.

1996: Lead Role in Musical Revival

In 1996, Ralph Macchio played the lead role of J. Pierrepont Finch in the U.S. tour revival of the 1962 Tony Award-winning musical How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, receiving positive reviews.

2005: Appearance on Entourage

In 2005, Ralph Macchio played himself in the HBO series Entourage.

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2007: Appearance in "Sweep the Leg" Music Video

In 2007, Ralph Macchio appeared in the music video for the song "Sweep the Leg" by No More Kings, playing a caricature of himself and Daniel LaRusso from The Karate Kid.

October 2008: Role in Ugly Betty

Beginning in October 2008, Ralph Macchio appeared in several episodes of the ABC Network television series Ugly Betty as Archie Rodriguez.

June 2010: Funny or Die Short Film

In June 2010, Ralph Macchio appeared in Funny or Die's online short, "Wax On, F*ck Off", a comedic take on his career with references to The Karate Kid.

September 20, 2010: Staged Reading of A Room of My Own

On September 20, 2010, Ralph Macchio played the adult Carl Morelli in a staged reading of the Charles Messina play A Room of My Own presented by the Bleecker Street Theater Company.

February 2011: Dancing with the Stars Competition

In February 2011, Ralph Macchio competed on ABC's Dancing with the Stars, where he was eliminated during the semi-finals, placing fourth in the overall competition.

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April 2012: Casting in Hitchcock

In April 2012, Ralph Macchio was cast in the film Hitchcock as Psycho screenwriter Joseph Stefano.

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2013: Appearance on How I Met Your Mother

In 2013, Ralph Macchio appeared in How I Met Your Mother, where the character Barney Stinson argues that Johnny Lawrence, not Daniel LaRusso, is the real Karate Kid.

August 4, 2017: Announcement of Cobra Kai Series

On August 4, 2017, the announcement was made that Ralph Macchio would reprise his role as Daniel LaRusso in Cobra Kai, a 10-episode Karate Kid revival series for YouTube Red.