Ralph Macchio reveals the key to his 38-year marriage and Cobra Kai legacy

Ralph Macchio, known for his iconic role as Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai, recently opened up about the secret to his 38-year marriage and what it’s like working with his daughter, Julia Macchio.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Macchio revealed that the key to his successful relationship with wife Phyllis Fierro is to "stay out of Hollywood" and maintain balance between his professional and personal life.

Macchio, who married Fierro in 1987, credited her with "grounding and elevating" him and their two children, Julia and Daniel. He fondly remembered meeting Phyllis when he was just 15 years old, and together they’ve built a life that has stood the test of time.

When asked about his daughter’s involvement in Cobra Kai, Macchio shared his pride in Julia’s work on the show. Julia, who appeared alongside her father in seasons 4 and 5, expressed admiration for his work ethic and how he conducts himself on and off set. “He’s the best dad. He’s so supportive,” Julia said, reflecting on the positive influence her father has had on her career.

Macchio also looked back at his unexpected rise to fame with The Karate Kid, admitting that while he knew he had something special with his co-stars, including Pat Morita and William Zabka, he never anticipated the franchise’s immense success. “No one could predict the level of success of that film,” he said. The actor emphasized the deep care put into the Cobra Kai series, which continues to build on the legacy of the original film while introducing new characters.

Despite his long career in the entertainment industry, Macchio revealed that he’s never been involved in a real-life fight. "I've never been [in a fight]," he laughed. "I've always negotiated myself out."

As Cobra Kai season 6 part 3 premieres on Netflix, Macchio reflects on how far the series has come since its inception, especially as the show bids farewell with its final season.