William Zabka

Johnny Lawrence, in the films and the series.

William Zabka is an American actor best known as Johnny Lawrence in The Karate Kid (1984), The Karate Kid Part II (1986) and Cobra Kai (2018-2025), which he co-executive produced with Ralph Macchio.

Quick Facts

Birth name: William Michael Zabka
Born: 20 October 1965
Birthplace: New York City, New York, U.S.
Education: California State University, Northridge (dropped out)
Occupation: Actor
Spouse: Stacie (2008)
Children: 2

Facts from the source article.

Background

Zabka had no karate training when he was cast in The Karate Kid. In the 1980s he also appeared in Just One of the Guys, Back to School and The Equalizer.