Ralph Macchio, the beloved actor known for his role as Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid, and his wife, Phyllis Fierro, have been married for 38 years. With divorce rates in the U.S. ranging from 40% to 50%, that's already impressive. When you consider that he’s a Hollywood actor, it’s even more rare.
Macchio and Fierro met when he was 15, introduced by a mutual friend at a family gathering. They said "I do" in 1987. The actor recently revealed the secret to a lasting marriage during the Cobra Kai season 6 red carpet finale premiere.
According to Macchio, the key is to “stay out of Hollywood.” "I've always kept one foot in and one foot out," he told Fox News Digital. His wife, Fierro, has stayed away from the spotlight. She’s an experienced nurse practitioner who worked on the frontlines of the COVID-19 outbreak.
At 63, Macchio credits his wife for grounding him and helping elevate their family. The couple shares two children: daughter Julia, born in 1992, and son Daniel, born in 1995.
Julia, who has followed in her father’s acting footsteps, appeared alongside him in seasons 4 and 5 of Cobra Kai. She shared her admiration for her dad at the premiere, saying, "He's the best dad. He's so supportive… I admire his work ethic and how he handles himself on set and off of set."
She also praised her experience "watching him work and just seeing how he conducts himself," adding, "It's how I wanted to work as well. So, he's been a wonderful role model for me."
Macchio’s career has flourished, especially since Cobra Kai debuted in 2018. The sequel series has continued the legacy of The Karate Kid, bringing together Macchio and William Zabka as former rivals now running competing dojos.
Reflecting on the success of the franchise, Macchio expressed surprise at its lasting impact, saying, “No one could predict the level of success of that film, let alone this. This is beyond.”
Season 6, part 3, of Cobra Kai, is now available to stream on Netflix.