William Michael Zabka, born on October 20, 1965, is an American actor who achieved enduring fame for his iconic portrayal of Johnny Lawrence, the original antagonist of the The Karate Kid franchise. Zabka’s career took an unexpected turn when he was cast as the Cobra Kai bully in 1984, a role that would define his early Hollywood years despite having no prior karate training. His performance as the arrogant and formidable Johnny Lawrence made him one of the most memorable villains of 1980s cinema, a legacy he would later revive and redefine in the critically acclaimed television series Cobra Kai.

Following his breakout role, Zabka capitalized on his rising profile by appearing in a string of popular films during the mid-1980s. He starred in the comedy Just One of the Guys in 1985 and shared the screen with Rodney Dangerfield in the 1986 hit Back to School. During this period, he also made guest appearances on the television series The Equalizer, which ran from 1986 to 1989. While his film and TV work continued, the shadow of Johnny Lawrence loomed large, and Zabka found himself typecast as the quintessential bully for much of the decade.

As the 1990s and 2000s progressed, Zabka shifted his focus away from mainstream acting and toward independent filmmaking and behind-the-camera work. He co-wrote and co-produced the short film Most in 2003, a poignant drama that earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Live Action Short Film in 2004. This achievement marked a significant turning point in his career, establishing him as a serious filmmaker. He subsequently ventured into directing, helming music videos for the country band Rascal Flatts, further diversifying his creative portfolio.

Zabka’s career experienced a remarkable renaissance in 2018 when he reprised his role as Johnny Lawrence in the YouTube Red and later Netflix series Cobra Kai. The show, which he also co-executive produced alongside his former on-screen rival Ralph Macchio, subverted expectations by presenting Johnny as a down-on-his-luck, complex antihero trying to find redemption decades after his high school glory days. Cobra Kai became a massive critical and commercial success, running for six seasons from 2018 to 2025, and introduced Zabka to a new generation of fans. Through this long-awaited return, William Zabka transformed from a symbol of 1980s villainy into a beloved cultural touchstone, proving that even the most iconic bullies can grow, change, and ultimately find their place in the world.