William Zabka is an American actor, screenwriter, director, and producer, best known for his portrayal of Johnny Lawrence in the 1984 classic film The Karate Kid. He was born on October 20, 1965, in New York City, New York, into a creative and artistic family. His father, Stanley William Zabka, was a director, writer, and composer who notably worked on the 1982 Chuck Norris film Forced Vengeance. His mother was also professionally active in the entertainment industry as a business liaison and producer. Zabka has two siblings, both of whom have careers in music as accomplished singers, musicians, and songwriters.
Though his breakout role was a tough antagonist, Zabka’s acting experience began at a young age. In one of his earliest performances, he was cast as the Big Bad Wolf in a production of the classic fairy tale The Three Little Pigs.
Zabka achieved fame with his role as Johnny Lawrence in The Karate Kid, a film that became a cultural phenomenon. Though often cast as a villain in his early career, his nuanced performances gained recognition for their depth and charisma. During the 1990s, Zabka appeared in various independent films, working to diversify his acting portfolio beyond the antagonist roles that made him famous.
In 2003, William Zabka expanded his creative work beyond acting by writing and producing the short film Most (also known as The Bridge). The film was shot on location in the Czech Republic and Poland and received widespread acclaim on the film festival circuit. Most won several awards, including Best of Festival at the Palm Springs International Festival of Short Films. It was also nominated for an Academy Award in the Live Action Short Film category, significantly enhancing Zabka’s reputation as a filmmaker.
In addition to his professional ties to Eastern Europe through Most, Zabka also has personal connections. He is of Czech descent—his paternal grandfather was Czech—and he is fluent in the Czech language, which has informed some of his international creative projects.
| Birth Date: | 21 Oct, 1965 |
| Age: | 54 yrs |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | New York City |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | Actor, screenwriter, producer |
| Net Worth 2021: | 3 million |
