Serendipity seems to be a constant companion for Ralph Macchio, most recently leading him to Australia.

In October, Coldplay unveiled the song “The Karate Kid,” which is precisely what it sounds like, featuring lyrics about “Daniel.” This character is portrayed by Macchio in the original three “The Karate Kid” films and in six seasons of Netflix’s “Cobra Kai.” After Macchio listened to the song, he shared it on social media, prompting Coldplay to devise a plan. Lead singer Chris Martin invited Macchio to Australia for a series of concerts and to film the music video, which included bringing the actor on stage to help perform “The Karate Kid.”

“It was just one of those whirlwind experiences,” Macchio reflects, having just returned from Australia. “It’s such a beautiful song. I was amazed that Chris wrote it based on a film that meant so much to him. Clearly, we made an impact 41 years ago, particularly for a young Chris Martin and Coldplay. It continues to astonish me how the original film resonates emotionally even decades later.”

Macchio is on the brink of experiencing another significant moment. As the final season of “Cobra Kai” releases its next five episodes this month, Macchio is set to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, appropriately situated near the plaque honoring his late co-star Pat Morita, famously known as Mr. Miyagi.

“That’s just perfectly wonderful at this stage of my life,” Macchio states. Now a youthful 63, he is actually a decade older than Morita was during the original 1984 film. “It feels only right that I will be forever close to Miyagi, and I couldn’t be prouder or more honored to have this placement. I recall him saying that having a star on the Walk of Fame was perhaps the pinnacle of his career, coming from such humble beginnings. I’ll get to channel a bit of the love he still shares in this ‘Karate Kid’ universe.”

This moment is a complete full-circle experience for Macchio, who remembers visiting the Walk of Fame as a teenager in the late 1970s after moving to Hollywood from Long Island, N.Y., to pursue acting.

“It was the land of dreams, and I recall walking down Hollywood Boulevard searching for Gene Kelly’s star,” Macchio reminisces. “I’ve wanted to be Gene Kelly for as long as I can remember, having watched classic movie musicals with my mom. Seeing the stars of names like Clark Gable, from the films and shows of my childhood, felt utterly unattainable.”

Before long, Macchio secured a regular role on “Eight Is Enough.” His breakout came in Francis Ford Coppola’s 1983 film “The Outsiders,” followed by the iconic role in “The Karate Kid” a year later, featuring the iconic crane kick and the memorable “wax on, wax off” mantra. “People still recall where they watched ‘The Karate Kid,’” he notes. “I’m incredibly thankful and feel privileged to bring joy to others through this character.”

He also appeared in the first two “Karate Kid” sequels and had a significant role in the 1992 film “My Cousin Vinny,” a movie that enjoys constant reruns on cable. “I often refer to it as the late-for-dinner movie,” he explains. “If it’s on, you’ll be late for dinner because you can’t resist watching the next scene.”

However, there were lean years, which Macchio detailed in his memoir, “Waxing On: The Karate Kid and Me.” He drew inspiration from the philosophy of one of his idols, Michael Caine, who spoke about making the most of the challenges faced in acting and life.

“I’ve learned to do just that,” he shares. “There were tough times regarding my career and where I envisioned it going. But those years also allowed me to be present for my children when they were young. It was perfect, especially with this tremendous resurgence I’m experiencing now. I couldn’t have scripted it better, as I get to enjoy it, and it just keeps giving. The fans have never let it fade away.”

Indeed, Macchio never ceased to work. In the 2000s, he had a recurring role on “Ugly Betty” and received multiple offers to portray versions of himself, most of which he declined. However, he embraced a few, including a guest role on HBO’s “Entourage.”

“I can’t even count how many times it was pitched — I said no 90% of the time,” he admits. “I went through a phase where I joked that my name was more famous than I was. ‘Entourage’ was the first time I played myself, and I was proud because it was a unique industry choice and a really great episode.”

Then came the Funny or Die parody “Wax On, F*ck Off,” directed by Todd Holland, which played with Macchio’s nice-guy image by trying to cast him as a Hollywood bad boy. “It was the perfect moment when bad behavior was being rewarded, and I considered myself a good guy,” he remarks. “So I pondered how I could make myself more relevant in Hollywood.”

However, the real groundwork for “Cobra Kai” was laid when both he and William Zabka guest-starred on “How I Met Your Mother,” where Neil Patrick Harris’ character Barney wished for the hero of “The Karate Kid” to attend his party. When Macchio arrived, he was disappointed, as he’d always viewed Johnny Lawrence (Zabka) as the protagonist.

This dynamic ultimately became the core of “Cobra Kai,” a fresh interpretation of the “Karate Kid” characters created by Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg. As the show was being developed (originally for YouTube Originals), Macchio had taken on a very different role as a vice cop in HBO’s intense drama “The Deuce.”

“He embodies everything you hope for when meeting your heroes,” Hurwitz notes. “He’s kind-hearted and a family man. This extends to how he conducts himself on set as the leading actor, serving as a role model for a whole generation of young actors on our show.”

Heald adds, “Upon meeting him for the first time, it’s clear that he’s one of the most genuine individuals you’ll ever encounter. He’s thoughtful as a performer, producer, and now director, and embodies the collaborative spirit we value.”

As “Cobra Kai” concludes, Macchio believes that the timing “feels just right” to wrap it up in a positive manner. However, this doesn’t signify the end for Macchio as Daniel LaRusso. He will reprise the character alongside Jackie Chan in “The Karate Kid: Legends,” set three years after the events of “Cobra Kai.”

“It wasn’t a quick decision, as it involved preserving the character of Daniel LaRusso and determining where he would be at that time, while also safeguarding the entire legacy of the Miyagi-verse,” Macchio explains. “Once we figured that out, it made sense for the ‘Cobra Kai’ storyline to lead into the new film — even if they exist in separate realms. Working with Jackie was incredibly thrilling. I began this journey on the big screen; how amazing is it to return to it?”

Looking ahead, Macchio is eager to pursue more directing opportunities and hopes to assist Heald, Hurwitz, and Schlossberg in bringing a Mr. Miyagi origins series to life. Additionally, he’s interested in exploring other characters outside the “Karate Kid” universe.

Will “The Karate Kid: Legends” be his final portrayal of Daniel? “I don’t want to overstay the welcome of a character that’s so cherished,” he states. “However, he’s aging alongside me, so there might be other avenues to explore as well. Never say never.”

Person: Ralph Macchio, Chris Martin, Pat Morita, Michael Caine, William Zabka, Neil Patrick Harris, Jackie Chan
Company Names: Netflix, YouTube Originals, HBO
Titles: The Karate Kid, Cobra Kai, The Outsiders, My Cousin Vinny, Waxing On: The Karate Kid and Me, The Deuce, The Karate Kid: Legends

Disclaimer: This article has been auto-generated from a syndicated RSS feed and has not been edited by Vitrina staff. It is provided solely for informational purposes on a non-commercial basis.