The Karate Kid Cast: Then and Now

The Original Karate Kid Cast

The original Karate Kid movie released in 1984 and became an instant classic. It tells the story of Daniel LaRusso, a teenager who moves from New Jersey to Los Angeles and faces bullying from his classmates. He befriends his apartment complex's handyman, Mr. Miyagi, who happens to be a martial arts master. Mr. Miyagi agrees to teach Daniel karate so he can defend himself.

The film starred Ralph Macchio as Daniel and Noriyuki "Pat" Morita as Mr. Miyagi. Their chemistry and iconic "wax on, wax off" training scenes helped cement The Karate Kid's place in pop culture history. But what has the cast been up to since then?

Ralph Macchio - Daniel LaRusso

Ralph Macchio was 22 years old when he landed the career-defining role of high school senior Daniel LaRusso. Prior to The Karate Kid, Macchio had some success as a teen actor in films like The Outsiders and My Cousin Vinny.

After The Karate Kid, Macchio continued acting in movies throughout the 80s and 90s. Some highlights include the 1992 drama Crossroads and 1999 comedy Beer League. While his acting slowed down in the 2000s, Macchio saw renewed interest after reprising his famous role of Daniel LaRusso in the 2018 YouTube series Cobra Kai.

Now in his 60s, the New York native still displays his karate skills on Cobra Kai alongside some other familiar faces from the classic 80s film.

Noriyuki “Pat” Morita - Mr. Miyagi

Prior to his legendary turn as Mr. Miyagi, Pat Morita was known primarily as a stand-up comedian. He captured audiences with his portrayal of the Okinawan handyman and karate master who takes young Daniel under his wing.

Morita earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for the role. He reprised his iconic part in The Karate Kid sequels The Karate Kid Part II and The Karate Kid Part III.

The prolific actor worked steadily in TV and film throughout the 80s and 90s before his death in 2005 at age 73. Some of his noteworthy later projects include roles on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Baywatch, and Mulan.

The Karate Kid 2010 Cast

In 2010, a remake of The Karate Kid hit theaters starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan. While not as beloved as the 1984 original, this new take brought the story to a younger generation.

Jaden Smith - Dre Parker

Jaden Smith was only 11 years old when he took on the lead role of Dre Parker, a kid who moves from Detroit to China and faces bullying from his new classmates. As the son of famous parents Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, Jaden seemed destined for stardom.

While 2010's The Karate Kid earned mixed reviews, Jaden has remained in the spotlight. He has released musical projects in recent years while continuing to act in films such as Netflix's The Get Down series.

Jackie Chan - Mr. Han

Legendary actor and martial artist Jackie Chan took on the challenge of stepping into Morita's shoes as Mr. Han. Chan was already world famous by 2010 for movies like the Rush Hour series, Shanghai Noon, and many more action blockbusters from Hong Kong and Hollywood.

While Pat Morita will forever be the quintessential Mr. Miyagi, Chan brought his particular set of stunt skills to the role of the mentor who teaches young Dre discipline through the practice of kung fu.

Now nearing 70 years old, Jackie Chan has continued making action movies in China while also doing voice work on animated projects like the Kung Fu Panda franchise.

The Legacy of The Karate Kid

Over 35 years since its original release, The Karate Kid remains one of the most inspirational underdog sports movies ever made. Its themes of perseverance, mentorship, and finding inner strength continue inspiring new generations.

While the 2010 remake did not receive the same praise as the 1984 film, it did bring some renewed interest and exposed the story to a younger audience. And YouTube's Cobra Kai series has given Ralph Macchio's legendary character Daniel LaRusso a whole new life in the 21st century.

So whether it's "wax on, wax off" or "jacket on, jacket off," The Karate Kid story still resonates and likely will continue doing so thanks to its iconic characters and universal messages.