Ralph Macchio and his daughter, Julia, have opened up about working together on Cobra Kai, after Julia made a guest appearance in season 4. Cobra Kai is a spin-off series of the popular Karate Kid franchise and season 3 premiered on Netflix in 2020, after the show got its start on YouTube back in 2018. The series has boasted four seasons thus far, with Cobra Kai season 5 already confirmed and wrapped, as well. Cobra Kai follows Daniel LaRusso (Macchio) and Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) 34-years after the All Valley Karate Tournament, when Lawrence’s re-opening of Cobra Kai brings the two old rivals head-to-head once more.

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Cobra Kai has received largely positive reception from critics, and season 4 was no exception. The series brought back Karate Kid 3 villain, Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith), giving him far more depth and development than the highly criticized film originally did. Cobra Kai also sees the outcome of LaRusso and Lawrence’s attempt to put their rivalry behind them and to team their dojos up against Silver and John Kreese (Martin Cove). Cobra Kai season 4 was filled with surprises, including an unexpected cameo from country singer Carrie Underwood. However, one of the more subtler surprises came from a new, but also familiar face, when Julia Macchio guest-starred as Vanessa.

In an interview with People, Macchio and daughter Julia opened up about their experience working together on Cobra Kai season 4. Macchio gushed about how Julia really showed up for him and blew the cast away with her grasp on Vanessa. Meanwhile, Julia discussed that having the Karate Kid star as her father meant she was always intrigued by acting. While having a famous father was difficult at times, Macchio made it easier for her by keeping her grounded, giving her advice, and supporting her in her own career. Both described their experience of working on Cobra Kai as very fun and special for them. Check out their statements below:

Ralph: “She knocked it out of the park. I was the proud father on set that day. As soon as she ran our first take, everybody was like, ‘Holy crap, she’s got this character.’ It was certainly a highlight for me in season 4 and just a joy I’ve had that opportunity.”

Julia: “[Acting] It’s something that I have wanted to do since as long as I can remember. I don’t think there was ever really a moment where I thought of doing anything else. I used to act out Disney movies in our house. It was something that was in my blood. It’s been so helpful to have a grounded dad who also knows that world. He’s [Ralph] always been a great, wise resource to have because he’s been involved in this business for so long. He never hesitated to give me advice, but has also always supported me having a career [of] my own. So getting to work together on Cobra Kai could not have been a more fun experience.”

Macchio is correct that Julia got her character spot-on in her Cobra Kai guest appearance. Julia made her appearance in season 4, episode 8, portraying LaRusso’s cousin, Vanessa, who is a psychology student. Her big scene comes when LaRusso and his wife, Amanda, sit down with Vanessa to discuss their son Anthony’s (Griffin Santopietro) behavioral issues. The two become defensive, but ultimately see a hint of truth, in Vanessa’s bold accusation that LaRusso and his wife’s reactions may be at the root of the problem. She also forces them to consider the difficult question of why they love their daughter more than their son. Vanessa’s bold and humorous character was a hit among fans, but even more so when they realized her real-life connection to the franchise.

It is always a special occasion when celebrity parents get the opportunity to share the screen with their children, even if for just one episode. What makes Macchio and Julia’s Cobra Kai collaboration extra special, is the way their lives echo the sentiments in the series. In the series, Mr. Miyagi, though now sadly deceased, is very much present, as LaRusso strives to keep his spirit and love of karate alive through his children. In similar fashion, Mr. Miyagi actor, Pat Morita, is kept alive in the memories of the Macchio family. To commemorate their collaboration, Macchio and Julia took a selfie, in which Julia is wearing a Mr. Miyagi T-shirt. Macchio and Julia’s special collaboration on Cobra Kai captures the reality of a family celebrating those who have been lost, and the family traditions that have been passed down for generations.

Source: People

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Rachel Ulatowski is a Freelance Movie/TV News Writer for Screen Rant. She works to bring readers the latest news on the shows and movies that are important to them. Rachel especially enjoys writing about celebrity news and sharing the thoughts, struggles, and perspective of some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. In her free time she enjoys reading, writing, and watching anything Marvel, DC, Doctor Who, or Star Wars.

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