Childhood and Education Journey of Ralph Macchio in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Ralph Macchio. A timeline of key moments.

Ralph Macchio is an American actor renowned for his role as Daniel LaRusso in the Karate Kid film series and the sequel television series, Cobra Kai, earning him Critics' Choice and Primetime Emmy nominations. His career also includes notable performances as Johnny Cade in The Outsiders and Bill Gambini in My Cousin Vinny. Macchio's other significant roles span television series like Eight Is Enough and Ugly Betty, as well as the film Crossroads and The Deuce. In 2024, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1947: Ford Super Deluxe Car

The Yellow 1947 Ford Super Deluxe Convertible was the vehicle Daniel receives from Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid.

November 4, 1961: Ralph Macchio Born

On November 4, 1961, Ralph George Macchio Jr. was born. He is an American actor known for his roles in "The Karate Kid" films and "Cobra Kai".

1979: High School Graduation

In 1979, Ralph Macchio graduated from Half Hollow Hills High School West in Dix Hills, New York.

1980: Screen Test

In a 1980 screen test, Macchio mentioned his family was from Naples.

April 5, 1987: Marriage to Phyllis Fierro

On April 5, 1987, Ralph Macchio married Phyllis Fierro.

1991: Pro Set Platinum Trading Card

In 1991, Ralph Macchio was featured as the celebrity captain in the New York Islanders' Pro Set Platinum trading card series.

1992: Birth of Daughter Julia

In 1992, Ralph Macchio's daughter, Julia, was born.

1996: Birth of Son Daniel

In 1996, Ralph Macchio's son, Daniel, was born.

2014: Karate Kid Anniversary

In 2014, during a celebration of the 30th anniversary of "The Karate Kid", Macchio mentioned that the yellow 1947 Ford Super Deluxe from the film was in his garage.

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2016: Wildlife Rescue Benefit

In 2016, Ralph Macchio participated in a benefit featuring a screening of The Karate Kid to raise funds for a local wildlife rescue center.

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2016: Bobblehead Promotion

In 2016, a bobblehead promotion featured Ralph Macchio in a New York Islanders uniform, striking the iconic 'crane kick' pose from "The Karate Kid".

March 18, 2018: First Pitch at Mets Game

On March 18, 2018, Ralph Macchio threw out the ceremonial first pitch at a New York Mets game, with William Zabka as the catcher.

2023: Karate Training

In 2023, Ralph Macchio said that before the filming of the karate kid, he was trained in the Okinawan Gōjū-ryū defensive style of karate used by Pat Morita's Mr. Miyagi character.

April 2025: Black Belt in Karate

In April 2025, Ralph Macchio earned his black belt in karate, over 40 years after playing Daniel LaRusso in "The Karate Kid".

May 2025: Honorary Black Belt Award

In May 2025, Ralph Macchio and his Karate Kid: Legends co-star Jackie Chan were awarded an honorary black belt by the World Karate Federation during the film's New York premiere.

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