William Zabka

Date of Birth: October 20, 1965

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Biography

William Michael Zabka, known professionally as William Zabka, is an American actor, screenwriter, director, and producer. He was born on October 20, 1965, in New York City, New York. Zabka rose to fame in the 1980s for his role as Johnny Lawrence in the iconic martial arts film “The Karate Kid” (1984) and its sequel “The Karate Kid Part II” (1986). His portrayal of the quintessential 1980s movie bully made him a household name and a cultural icon of the era. Zabka’s career spans over three decades, during which he has appeared in numerous television shows and films. Besides his acting career, Zabka has also ventured into writing and directing. In 2004, he co-wrote and produced the short film “Most,” which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film. In recent years, Zabka experienced a career resurgence with his reprisal of Johnny Lawrence in the critically acclaimed series “Cobra Kai,” which continues the story of “The Karate Kid” over three decades later. The series has been praised for its character development and depth, transforming Zabka’s character from a classic antagonist to a more nuanced and sympathetic figure.

5 Interesting Facts about William Zabka

1. William Zabka has a black belt in Tang Soo Do, which he earned while preparing for his role in “The Karate Kid.”

2. He speaks Czech fluently, owing to his Czech heritage.

3. Zabka co-wrote and produced the short film “Most,” which received an Academy Award nomination in 2004.

4. He has directed several music videos, including the popular “Sweep the Leg” by No More Kings.

5. “Cobra Kai,” the series where he reprises his role as Johnny Lawrence, won the Rotten Tomatoes’ Audience Award for Best TV Drama in 2020.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from William Zabka

1. “Playing the villain is always more fun than playing the hero. The villain gets to be a little more outrageous and fun.”

2. “The thing about ‘The Karate Kid’ is that it’s such a universal story; it’s about standing up for yourself and finding your own way.”

3. “I always loved the idea of redemption and second chances, which is a big theme in ‘Cobra Kai.’”

4. “I never imagined that Johnny Lawrence would become such a multi-dimensional character 30 years after ‘The Karate Kid.’”

5. “The beauty of ‘Cobra Kai’ is that it revisits these characters and gives them depth and a backstory—it’s a dream come true for an actor.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As of 2023, William Zabka’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $3 million.

Children

William Zabka is married to Stacie Lynn Doss. The couple has two children together, but they have kept their family life relatively private, and the names of their children are not publicly known.