First published 2022
Ralph Macchio opens his story in June 1984 when The Karate Kid launched him into stardom. For nearly four decades, fans have shouted "Wax on, wax off" at him on the street. Now starring again as Daniel LaRusso in Netflix's top-ranked Cobra Kai, Macchio decides to share what really happened behind the scenes. He takes readers through his audition process, the filmmaking experience, and the creation of the movie's most memorable moments. Macchio examines how playing Daniel LaRusso shaped his own life while the character influenced popular culture. He explores why Daniel and Mr. Miyagi have remained so powerful in audiences' minds. The actor reveals how his past work returned to enrich his life in unexpected ways. Macchio brings readers back to their first encounter with these beloved characters while showing how our histories continue to shape us.
Genres: biography, autobiography, biography-memoir, film
Vibes: intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: celebrity, memoir
Period: 1984, 21st-century
241 pages · Hardcover · Dutton