From Foes to Friends: Ralph Macchio and William Zabka's Unexpected Bond
Ralph Macchio and William Zabka, the iconic stars of *The Karate Kid*, may seem like an inseparable duo now, but their relationship wasn't always so harmonious.
After portraying the rivalries of Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence in the 1984 film, the two actors drifted apart, their lives taking them on different paths. Years passed without contact until the tragic passing of their co-star, Pat Morita (Mr. Miyagi), in 2005.
It was at Morita's memorial service in Las Vegas that their friendship sparked. "I remember seeing Billy at the memorial service in Vegas, and I instantly had this emotional feeling. It was a comfort seeing him there," shared Macchio, 62, with PEOPLE. "From that point on, our adult friendship started to happen, and it was quite meaningful."
Zabka, 58, echoed this sentiment, explaining how Morita's passing brought them together. "Pat meant a lot to both of us individually, and Pat and I were dear friends," he said. "When he passed, it was super sad. Ron Thomas [Bobby from *The Karate Kid*] and I got on the phone and said, 'We have to go,' and we flew to Vegas."
The reunion at the memorial service held a deep significance for both actors. Zabka recalled seeing Macchio and feeling a silent connection with him. "I knew Ralph was going to speak, and I felt the weight for him on that because I knew it was a heavy moment," he shared. "I remember seeing him and it was a silent support I was giving him when he was up there talking, and I felt for him. He gave a beautiful speech."
The shared grief and support at Morita's memorial service were a turning point. Macchio described the moment in his memoir, *Waxing On*, stating, "For the first time, after so many years of absence, I saw Billy from another perspective. It felt different. We were on the same side of the mat."
Their shared connection to Morita, who inspired both throughout their careers, became the catalyst for their newfound friendship. "It's interesting in hindsight how Miyagi has brought us together," reflected Zabka. "It was just one of those moments where we both came from our worlds to a center point where it all started for both of us, and, in a way, that became an ignition for our friendship."
This rekindled friendship has blossomed into a successful partnership with the *Karate Kid
- spinoff series, *Cobra Kai*, which premiered in 2018 and will conclude its final season on Netflix on July 18. *Cobra Kai* has allowed the actors to explore their characters in new ways, with Mr. Miyagi's presence remaining prominent throughout the series, particularly in the upcoming season.
- The legacy of Pat Morita continues to influence the narrative of *Cobra Kai*. Daniel will discover hidden truths about Mr. Miyagi's past in the final season. "We've always wanted to lace Miyagi through the show, and this is a way of uncovering the past of a man and layer in some intrigue about who he was," explained Macchio. "It begins as this personal disappointment but it turns into something very positive for Daniel. It's another teaching moment; Miyagi's teaching him from the grave."
- From on-screen rivals to off-screen friends, Ralph Macchio and William Zabka's journey is a testament to the enduring power of friendship and the lasting impact of their shared experience with the legendary Pat Morita. The final season of *Cobra Kai
- will premiere in three parts: July 18, November 28, and sometime in 2025.
