Ralph Macchio Biography

Fast Facts

• Is of Italian and Greek ancestry
• Quote: "(On remaking "The Karate Kid") "I don't look at it as the end of an era and the beginning of a new one․ It's not the passing of the torch as much as it is the celebration of a great story․""
• Appeared in several TV commercials, including those for Dr Pepper and Bubble Yum, before being cast in the 1980 comedy "Up the Academy․"
• Has guest-starred in several primetime TV series, including ABC's "Ugly Betty," Starz's "Head Case" and CBS' "How I Met Your Mother․"
• As a young boy, would act out scenes he had just watched on TV
• Became a "teen heartthrob" following his portrayal of Daniel LaRusso in the 1984 drama "The Karate Kid․"
• Made an appearance in rock 'n' roll band Danko Jones' music video "I Think Bad Thoughts" in 2011