As Johnny Lawrence in the films The Karate Kid (1984) and The Karate Kid Part II (1986), as well as in the ongoing television series Cobra Kai (2018–present), American actor William Michael Zabka rose to fame.

He was nominated for an Academy Award in 2004 for co-writing and producing the Most short film.

In his first movie, The Karate Kid (1984), Zabka played Johnny Lawrence, the main antagonist to Ralph Macchio’s character, the protagonist.

This was his first major acting job. Zabka had no prior karate training, but he was already a skilled wrestler. He became interested in Tang Soo Do martial arts after working on the movie, and he finally earned a second-degree green belt.

Zabka made appearances in humorous movies during the 1980s, including Just One of the Guys (1985) and Back to School (1986). In addition, from 1986 to 1989, he co-starred in the CBS television series The Equalizer as the titular character’s son.

He also played Jack in National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985), Audrey’s athletic lover. Zabka made an effort to shed his stereotype of being a bully at school over time. He occasionally came under fire from the public because of his associations with the evil characters he was best known for.

William Zabka Parents: Meet Nancy Zabka and Stanley Zabka

Stan and Nancy Zabka, who are from New York City, raised their son Zabka. Stan is a multi-talented person who works as a director, writer, and composer, while Nancy is active in business liaisons, and production, and works as a production assistant.

As siblings, Zabka has a brother and a sister. His father had a distinguished career as an assistant director for The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson during Carson’s first two years as host.

He was of Czech ethnicity and came from Des Moines, Iowa. In addition, he managed the production of other films, including the 1982 Chuck Norris feature Forced Vengeance.