Ralph Macchio's Main TV Roles Show Character(s) Dancing With the Stars Ralph Macchio Chicken Soup for the Soul Max

Main Movie Roles 2009 - Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Undead 2006 - Beer League 1993 - Naked in New York 1992 - My Cousin Vinny 1989 - The Karate Kid, Part III 1986 - Crossroads 1986 - The Karate Kid, Part II 1984 - The Karate Kid 1984 - Teachers 1983 - The Outsiders 1980 - Up the Academy

BIOGRAPHY:

Handsomely featured, Italian-American actor with boyish looks that initially assisted his career, but in more recent years have probably restricted his opportunities at getting stronger, dramatic roles. Started out in various TV commercials in the late 1970s before appearing in the puerile comedy movie Up the Academy (1980), then a regular role in 1980 on the TV series "Eight Is Enough" (1977) followed by a decent performance as teenager "Johhny Cade" in the The Outsiders (1983) based on the popular S.E. Hinton novel about troubled youth.

In 1984, Macchio scored the lead role in the The Karate Kid (1984) directed by Rocky (1976) director John G. Avildsen. The film was a phenomenal success, being highly popular with adults and children alike. The movie spawned two equally popular sequels The Karate Kid, Part II (1986) and The Karate Kid, Part III (1989), both again starring Macchio and Pat Morita, and both directed by Avildsen.

Macchio also starred in the blues road movie Crossroads (1986), featured alongside Joe Pesci in My Cousin Vinny (1992) and, looking to toughen up his image, Macchio played a hit man in A Good Night to Die (2003). Arguably, movie audiences still identify Macchio very strongly with his "Karate Kid" role, but as his features have gained a more weathered, adult edge, he has found opportunities and positive reviews from appearances in stage productions showcasing his acting talent. It would be great to see this versatile actor score some broader and more challenging film roles.


TRIVIA:

• Graduated in 1979 from Half Hollow Hills West High School.
• When 'Joel Siegel' (qv) first did a review for _The Karate Kid (1984)_ (qv), he pronounced his name "MA-Key-O" instead of "Ma-chee-o". The latter pronunciation was the way Ralph Macchio pronounced his name, but the former is the proper Italian pronunciation. Siegel was called in at 4:00am the day of his review's airing to correct the pronunciation. He later expressed annoyance at being called in at 4:00am in the morning because Macchio "didn't know how to pronounce his own name."
• Listed as one of twelve "Promising New Actors of 1984" in John Willis' Screen World, Vol. 36.
• During Pat Morita's funeral procession, his former co-star of The Karate Kid (1984), Ralph quoted, "Forever, my Sensei" towards the mourners.
• Is a big fan of songwriter/singer 'Bruce Springsteen' (qv).
• Was #80 in VH1's 100 Greatest Teen Stars.
• Once saved a baby porpoise that was beached on the shores of Malibu. When reporters tried to cover the story, he asked to remain anonymous.
• His career started back in the late 70s doing commercials for Bubble Yum and Dr. Pepper.