
William Zabka is an American actor, musician, and producer, best known for his iconic role as Johnny Lawrence in the 1984 film The Karate Kid and its sequel The Karate Kid Part II. He reprised the character in the hit Netflix series Cobra Kai (2018–2025), earning critical acclaim and a new generation of fans. With his charismatic presence and martial arts skills, Zabka has had a long career spanning film, television, and music.
William Michael Zabka was born on October 20, 1965, in New York City, New York, USA, making him 60–61 years old in 2026. His zodiac sign is Libra. He is the son of George Zabka, a former police officer and jazz musician, and a mother who worked in the entertainment industry. He grew up in New York and began acting and performing at a young age. He attended the University of Vermont but left to pursue acting full-time.
Personal Details
| Full Name | William Michael Zabka |
| Nickname | Billy Zabka |
| Profession | Actor, Musician, Producer |
| Date of Birth | 20 October 1965 |
| Age | 60 |
| Birthplace | New York City, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Friends | Jung So-min ( ì •ì†Œë¯¼ ) |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Current Residence | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Qualification | University of Vermont (attended) |
Career
William Zabka made his film debut in 1984 with The Karate Kid, playing the antagonist Johnny Lawrence, a role that defined his early career. He reprised the character in The Karate Kid Part II (1986) and later returned to it in Cobra Kai, which became a major success. He has appeared in films like Back to School (1986), National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985), and The Next Karate Kid (1994).
William Zabka Wife
William Zabka has been married to Stacia Zabka since 2008. The couple has two sons. He is known for being a family-oriented person and has spoken about the importance of balancing his career with fatherhood. He maintains a relatively private personal life outside of his professional work.
Physical Appearance
| Height | 5’9″ (175 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 165–175 lbs (75–79 kg) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Blonde / Light Brown |
| Body Type | Athletic |
| Body Measurements | [Not Available] |
| Shoe Size | [Not Available] |
| Bra Size | N/A |
William Zabka Net Worth
William Zabka’s estimated net worth is approximately $5–8 million USD. His income comes from acting roles (especially the long-running Cobra Kai), producing, residuals from classic films like The Karate Kid, music, and brand endorsements. The success of Cobra Kai has significantly boosted his earnings in recent years.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram — @williamzabka
FAQs
How old is William Zabka?
Born on October 20, 1965, he is 61 years old.
What is William Zabka known for?
He is iconic for his role as the rival-turned-mentor Johnny Lawrence in the Karate Kid franchise and Cobra Kai.
Where is William Zabka from?
He was born in New York City, New York, USA.











