WILLIAM ZABKA

 Name, Age & Place of Birth

William Michael “Billy” Zabka was born on October 20, 1965, in New York City, USA. As of 2025, he is 59 years old .

Family & Early Life

William is the son of Nancy Heimert Zabka, who worked as a business liaison, producer, and production assistant, and Stanley William Zabka, a director, writer, and production manager (including work on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and Chuck Norris's Forced Vengeance) . He has both a brother and a sister and is of Czech and German descent through his father . William grew up in the acting world, graduating from El Camino Real Charter High School in Los Angeles in 1983 and briefly studying film at California State University, Northridge before deciding to pursue acting full-time .

Acting Career Beginnings & Breakthrough

Zabka's first major role was Johnny Lawrence in The Karate Kid (1984), even though he had no martial arts background—only high-school wrestling. After shooting the film, he trained in Tang Soo Do and earned a second-degree green belt . His performance made him the quintessential '80s bully-turned-icon.

Following that, he featured in iconic comedies such as Just One of the Guys (1985), National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985), Back to School (1986), and played Scott McCall’s son on the TV series The Equalizer (1986–1989) .

Independent Projects & Filmmaking

In the 1990s and early 2000s, William shifted toward independent cinema and behind-the-scenes work. He co-wrote and produced the short film Most (2003), filmed in the Czech Republic and Poland. It premiered at Sundance and received several festival honors, including Best of Festival in Palm Springs. In 2004, it was nominated for an Academy Award in the Live Action Short Film category.

Directing Music Videos & Commercials

Zabka ventured into directing, starting with the cult-favorite “Sweep the Leg” music video (2007) for No More Kings, in which he humorously parodied his own Johnny Lawrence persona alongside fellow Karate Kid cast members . He later directed videos for Rascal Flatts and various commercials for brands like Verizon and Little Tikes .

Return as Johnny Lawrence & Cobra Kai

In 2018, William returned to the role that made him famous, reprising Johnny Lawrence in Cobra Kai, a sequel series to The Karate Kid. He not only stars but is also a co-executive producer, alongside Ralph Macchio. The show has been highly praised for its nuanced portrayal of Johnny, transforming him into a more empathetic and complex character .

Personal Life

In 2008, William married his long-time partner Stacie Zabka, and the couple have two children together . He remains private about his family life but occasionally shares glimpses in interviews and public appearances.