William Zabka
Biography
William Zabka is an American actor born on October 20, 1965, in New York City, New York, USA. He is known for his role as Johnny Lawrence in The Karate Kid and its sequel, as well as his reprise of the role in the Netflix series Cobra Kai. Zabka has also appeared in various other films and television shows, including Just One of the Guys, Back to School, National Lampoon's European Vacation, and The Equalizer. He has a total of 56 known credits in his acting career.
Career overview
William Zabka is an American actor known for his roles in various films and television series. He gained recognition for his portrayal of Johnny Lawrence in The Karate Kid (1984) and its sequel, The Karate Kid Part II (1986). Zabka reprised his role as Johnny in the Netflix series Cobra Kai, alongside Ralph Macchio as Daniel.
In addition to his work in The Karate Kid franchise, Zabka appeared in several comedy movies during the 1980s. He co-starred in Just One of the Guys (1985) and Back to School (1986), and played Jack, the jock boyfriend of Audrey, in National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985). Zabka also co-starred on the CBS television series The Equalizer, playing the son of the title character, from 1986 to 1989.
Throughout his career, Zabka has accumulated a significant number of acting credits, with a total of 56 known credits. His work spans multiple genres, including comedy and drama, and he has appeared in a range of films and television series.
Ask the Vault
Ask anything about William Zabka.
Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full filmography
- Karate Kid: Legends (2025) as Johnny Lawrence
- Cobra Kai: Inside the Dojo (2024) as Self
- Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson (2024) as Self
- The Cobra Kai Movie (2024) as William Zabka
- Beyond the Bonsai (2022)
- The Netflix Afterparty (2021) as Self
- More Than Miyagi: The Pat Morita Story (2021) as Self
- Reunited Apart (2020) as Self
- Jud's Decision (2020) Craft Service
- Cobra Kai (2018) as Johnny Lawrence
- Cobra Kai (2018) Co-Executive Producer
- Cobra Kai (2018) Director
- John G. Avildsen: King of the Underdogs (2017) as Self
- The Man in the Silo (2016) as Kevin
- The Dog Who Saved Summer (2015) as Officer Johnny/Apollo
- I Hate Christian Laettner (2015) as Johnny Lawrence (archive footage)
- The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (2014) as Self
- Where Hope Grows (2014) as Milton Malcolm
- Cross (2011) as Saw
- Hot Tub Time Machine (2010) as Rick
- Smiley Face (2007) as Prison Guard
- Cake: A Wedding Story (2007) as Sam
- Sweep the Leg (2007) as Johnny Lawrence/Hilmself
- Sweep the Leg (2007) Director
- Sweep the Leg (2007) Writer
- Sweep the Leg (2007) Music Score Producer
- Psych (2006) as Coach Baggs
- How I Met Your Mother (2005) as William Zabka
- The Way of The Karate Kid (2005) as Self / Johnny
- Wild Roomies (2004) as Slick Salesman
- Most (2003) Writer
- Most (2003) Producer
- Landspeed (2002) as Bob Bailey
- Dark Descent (2002) as Marty
- Ablaze (2002) as Curt Peters
- Python 2 (2002) as Greg Larson
- Gale Force (2002) as Rance
- Antibody (2002) as Otto Emmerick
- Hyper Sonic (2002) as The Executive
- Epoch (2001) as Rover Driver Joe
- Project: Human Weapon (2001) as Rojack
- Falcon Down (2001) as John - Security Guard
- Python (2000) as Greg Larsen
- Interceptors (1999) as Dave
- High Voltage (1997) as Bulldog
- Shootfighter II (1996) as Ruben
- To the Ends of Time (1996) as Alexander
- The Power Within (1995) as Raymond Vonn
- Unlawful Passage (1994) as Howie
- Shootfighter: Fight to the Death (1993) as Ruben
- MTV Movie & TV Awards (1992) as Self - Presenter
- Protect and Surf (1989) as Russell Cooper
- A Tiger's Tale (1988) as Randy
- The Karate Kid Part II (1986) as Johnny Lawrence (uncredited)
- Back to School (1986) as Chas
- Dreams of Gold: The Mel Fisher Story (1986) as Kim Fisher
- The Equalizer (1985) as Scott McCall
- National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985) as Jack
- Just One of the Guys (1985) as Greg
- The Karate Kid (1984) as Johnny
- E/R (1984)
- Contract for Life: The S.A.D.D. Story (1984) as Rick Peterson