Daniel LaRusso is one of the most iconic fictional characters in American cinema. He is the main protagonist of The Karate Kid film series and later, the Netflix series Cobra Kai. Portrayed by actor Ralph Macchio, Daniel LaRusso’s story begins as that of a bullied teenager who learns discipline, strength, and balance through karate.
In The Karate Kid (1984), Daniel moves from Newark, New Jersey, to Reseda, California, with his mother. There, he struggles to fit in and faces constant bullying from a group led by Johnny Lawrence. Things change when Daniel meets Mr. Miyagi, a humble Japanese handyman who secretly masters martial arts. Through unconventional lessons like “wax on, wax off,” Daniel learns karate—not just as a fighting technique but as a philosophy of life.
Over the years, the character became a cultural symbol of perseverance and integrity. Even decades later, the Cobra Kai series reignited interest in Daniel LaRusso, showing him as an adult navigating life, family, and business, while still connected to his karate roots.
Biography Table of Daniel LaRusso
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Daniel LaRusso |
| Portrayed By | Ralph Macchio |
| First Appearance | The Karate Kid (1984) |
| Date of Birth (fictional) | 1966 or 1967 |
| Age (current timeline) | 54–55 years |
| Birthplace | Newark, New Jersey |
| Residence | Reseda, California (later Encino) |
| Occupation | Owner of LaRusso Auto Group, Sensei of Miyagi-Do Dojo |
| Spouse | Amanda LaRusso |
| Children | Samantha LaRusso, Anthony LaRusso |
| Height | Approx. 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 150 lbs (68 kg) |
| Martial Art Style | Gōjū-Ryū / Miyagi-Do Karate |
| Mentor | Mr. Miyagi |
| Hobbies | Karate, car business, mentoring youth |
| First Movie Win | 1984 All-Valley Karate Tournament |
| Rival | Johnny Lawrence |
| Close Friends | Mr. Miyagi, Ali Mills, later Johnny Lawrence |
| Fictional Business | LaRusso Auto Group |
| Personality Traits | Disciplined, empathetic, loyal, competitive |
| Favorite Quote | “It’s not about how you hit, it’s about balance.” |
| Series Continuation | Cobra Kai (2018–2025) |
What is Daniel LaRusso age?
When fans ask “What is Daniel LaRusso age?”, they often mean his age within the timeline of The Karate Kid films and Cobra Kai.
- In The Karate Kid (1984), Daniel LaRusso was 17 years old.
- The sequel The Karate Kid Part II (1986) follows him right after the first film, making him 18 years old.
- In The Karate Kid Part III (1989), Daniel is about 19 years old.
- Cobra Kai, set decades later, shows him as a middle-aged man in his early to mid-50s.
According to the series timeline and interviews, Daniel LaRusso was born around 1966 or 1967, placing the daniel larusso age at roughly 54 to 55 years old in the current Cobra Kai seasons.
This makes him a relatable adult figure who continues to carry the lessons of Mr. Miyagi while mentoring others. His age reflects his growth from a student to a teacher and from a dreamer to a family man.
Summary of daniel larusso age timeline:
| Period | Approximate Year | Age |
| The Karate Kid | 1984 | 17 |
| The Karate Kid Part II | 1986 | 18 |
| The Karate Kid Part III | 1989 | 19 |
| Cobra Kai (Season 1) | 2018 | 53 |
| Cobra Kai (Season 5) | 2023 | 54–55 |
So, if someone asks today, “What is Daniel LaRusso age?”, the accurate answer would be around 54 years old.
Why is Daniel LaRusso famous?
Daniel LaRusso is famous because he represents the ultimate underdog story. His character shows how determination and guidance can turn a weak, insecure teen into a confident champion. The Karate Kid film became an international hit because audiences connected deeply with Daniel’s journey.
In the 1980s, The Karate Kid inspired a generation to take up martial arts. The lessons Mr. Miyagi taught Daniel—like patience, humility, and inner strength—transcended karate itself. The phrase “wax on, wax off” became part of pop culture, symbolizing discipline through practice.
Daniel LaRusso’s fame continued with Cobra Kai, where he is shown as a successful businessman and mentor. His rivalry with Johnny Lawrence evolves into friendship and mutual respect, reminding viewers of forgiveness and growth.
The reason fans still discuss daniel larusso age is because the timeline of his life spans several decades of cinematic storytelling. His character grew older with his audience, making him timeless.
What is Daniel LaRusso Net Worth?
Since Daniel LaRusso is a fictional character, he doesn’t have a real-world net worth. However, within the Cobra Kai storyline, Daniel is portrayed as financially successful. He owns a luxury car dealership business called LaRusso Auto Group, which provides his family with a comfortable lifestyle in California’s San Fernando Valley.
If we look at his on-screen portrayal, Daniel enjoys the life of a wealthy entrepreneur. He lives in a large home, drives luxury cars, and provides for his family comfortably. The show subtly highlights that hard work, dedication, and ethical conduct helped Daniel achieve this fictional success.
In reality, Ralph Macchio—the actor behind the character—has an estimated net worth of around $8 million to $10 million. This wealth comes from decades of work in film, TV, and brand endorsements connected to The Karate Kid franchise.
Daniel LaRusso Biography
Early Life
Daniel LaRusso grew up in Newark, New Jersey, raised by his single mother, Lucille LaRusso. His father passed away when Daniel was young, leaving Lucille to raise him alone. Seeking a better life, she moved the family to California, where Daniel enrolled at West Valley High School.
Life in California wasn’t easy for Daniel. He faced bullying from students of the Cobra Kai Dojo, especially Johnny Lawrence. Despite his struggles, Daniel showed a resilient spirit. His life changed dramatically when he met Mr. Miyagi, a Japanese maintenance man with a deep mastery of karate.
Education
Daniel attended high school in Reseda, part of California’s San Fernando Valley. Although the films never show him pursuing college, his education in karate became central to his life. Mr. Miyagi’s mentorship provided Daniel with mental and spiritual education that shaped his character far beyond traditional academics.
Family
In Cobra Kai, Daniel LaRusso’s family includes his wife Amanda LaRusso and their children, Samantha and Anthony. His family represents modern balance—Amanda manages the family business with Daniel, while their kids learn to navigate life with their father’s moral lessons.
Personal Life
As an adult, Daniel honors Mr. Miyagi’s memory by teaching his karate philosophy through the Miyagi-Do Dojo. He faces challenges in balancing business success, family responsibilities, and his rivalry with old enemies. The Cobra Kai series portrays his journey as a middle-aged mentor trying to pass down wisdom.
Despite his fame and fortune, Daniel remains humble. His story highlights the importance of legacy, kindness, and maintaining one’s integrity even amid competition.
Lifestyle
Daniel LaRusso’s lifestyle is a blend of discipline and luxury. In Cobra Kai, he lives in a beautiful home, drives high-end cars, and practices karate daily. He runs the LaRusso Auto Group—a thriving business—and still prioritizes family time. His balance between professional and personal life mirrors what many viewers aspire to achieve.
Daniel LaRusso Height and Weight
In the films, Daniel LaRusso is portrayed as average in build but agile and quick. The actor Ralph Macchio stands at 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) and weighs around 150 pounds (68 kg). These stats carry over to the character.
Despite his modest height, Daniel’s strength comes from technique rather than size. This aligns with the Karate Kid theme that true power comes from focus and balance, not physical dominance. Even at the daniel larusso age of over 50, he maintains a lean, athletic figure—proving his lifelong dedication to martial arts.
Daniel LaRusso Media Presence
Daniel LaRusso’s character has remained popular for nearly four decades. Here’s how he’s been represented in media:
- Movies:
- The Karate Kid (1984)
- The Karate Kid Part II (1986)
- The Karate Kid Part III (1989)
- The Karate Kid (brief archive cameo in 2010 reboot)
- TV Series:
- Cobra Kai (2018–2025) — shows Daniel as an adult, continuing Mr. Miyagi’s legacy.
- Cobra Kai (2018–2025) — shows Daniel as an adult, continuing Mr. Miyagi’s legacy.
- Video Games:
- The Karate Kid (NES, 1987)
- Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues (2020)
- Comics & Books:
- Various adaptations expand on Daniel’s story and inner philosophy.
Daniel LaRusso also has a major fan presence online. Fans often discuss daniel larusso age, training techniques, and his rivalry with Johnny Lawrence.
Fictional Social Media Accounts (from promotion):
- Instagram: @MiyagiDoKarate
- Twitter: @DanielLaRusso
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Daniel LaRusso age in Cobra Kai?
Daniel LaRusso is approximately 54–55 years old in the most recent timeline of Cobra Kai.
Who plays Daniel LaRusso?
The character is portrayed by Ralph Macchio, who was born on November 4, 1961.
What is Daniel LaRusso’s business?
He owns LaRusso Auto Group, a successful car dealership in California.
Who is Daniel LaRusso married to?
He is married to Amanda LaRusso, and they have two children—Samantha and Anthony.
How tall is Daniel LaRusso?
He stands about 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) tall.
Conclusion
When we explore the daniel larusso age, we uncover more than just a number—it represents a lifetime of growth. From a shy 17-year-old learning self-defense to a confident mentor in his 50s, Daniel’s story symbolizes resilience, humility, and evolution.
His journey from Newark to California, from student to sensei, mirrors real-life growth—proving that success is built on discipline, respect, and balance. Even as daniel larusso age advances into his mid-50s, his legacy remains youthful because his values never age.
Today, Daniel LaRusso stands as a timeless cultural icon whose lessons extend beyond karate. Whether you watch The Karate Kid or Cobra Kai, you witness the transformation of a man shaped by honor, family, and the enduring power of mentorship.