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 best known for his role as Daniel LaRusso in the Karate Kid film franchise and the Cobra Kai television series. He gained significant recognition for his portrayal of Daniel, earning nominations for Critics' Choice Awards and a Primetime Emmy Award for his work in Cobra Kai. His contributions to the entertainment industry were further cemented with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2024.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1947: Ford convertible made

The yellow Ford convertible that his character Daniel receives from Mr. Miyagi in the first film was made in 1947.

November 4, 1961: Ralph Macchio Born

On November 4, 1961, Ralph George Macchio Jr. was born. He is known as an American actor.

1961: Ralph Macchio Born in Huntington, NY

In 1961, Ralph Macchio was born in Huntington, New York.

1979: Graduated from High School

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

1980: Macchio's Screen Test

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

April 5, 1987: Married Phyllis Fierro

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

1991: Celebrity Captain for New York Islanders

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

1992: Birth of daughter Julia

In 1992, Ralph Macchio and Phyllis Fierro had their first child, a daughter named Julia.

1996: Birth of son Daniel

In 1996, Ralph Macchio and Phyllis Fierro had their second child, a son named Daniel, named after his character in the Karate Kid.

2014: Celebration of The Karate Kid's 30th Anniversary

In 2014, during a celebration of the 30th anniversary of The Karate Kid, Ralph Macchio revealed that the yellow 1947 Ford convertible from the film was in his garage.

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2016: Bobblehead Promotion with New York Islanders

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

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2022: Published Memoir Waxing On

In 2022, Ralph Macchio published his memoir, Waxing On: The Karate Kid and Me.

2023: Okinawan Gōjū-ryū training

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

April 2025: Earned Black Belt in Karate

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

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May 2025: Awarded Honorary Black Belt

In May 2025, Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan were awarded an honorary black belt by the World Karate Federation during the New York premiere of Karate Kid: Legends.