The actor spoke to PEOPLE about keeping his bond with wife Phyllis Fierro strong while away for months of a time filming his hit Netflix show
Profile Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Cobra Kai Season 6 Premiere (July 17, 2024) |
| Ralph Macchio’s Age | 62 |
| Wife | Phyllis Fierro |
| Marriage Year | 1987 |
| How They Met | When Ralph was 15 years old |
| Children | – Julia Macchio (31), played Vanessa on Cobra Kai |
| – Daniel Macchio (28) | |
| How They Stay Connected | FaceTime, Zoom, occasional phone calls |
| Biggest Accomplishment | Raising his family |
| Role of the Name “Daniel” | – Wife’s cousin Daniel was her best friend |
| – Special due to Ralph’s role as Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai | |
| Family Life Insight | “Got to get back to the sharing” after long filming absences |
Cobra Kai’s Daniel LaRusso on Family and Filming
Ralph Macchio, known for his iconic role as Daniel LaRusso in Cobra Kai and The Karate Kid series, recently shared insights into his personal life and the balance between work and family. Speaking at the Cobra Kai season 6 premiere on Wednesday, July 17, the 62-year-old actor opened up about how he and his wife, Phyllis Fierro, manage their time apart while he is filming.
Staying Connected with Modern Technology
Macchio explained how technology has played a crucial role in maintaining their bond during his busy filming schedule.
“Well, now with FaceTime and Zoom, it’s helpful. Before then, there were phone calls,” he told PEOPLE. “Now you can actually look at each other and have Sunday dinner on occasion.”
Adjusting to Family Life After Long Shoots
After filming season 3 of Cobra Kai, which kept him away from home for five months, Macchio realized the importance of actively re-engaging in family life. He humorously shared, “I got used to the single life. You had to step back and say, ‘Okay, I’m not the king of every room in this castle. I got to get back to the sharing.’”
A Love That Stands the Test of Time
Ralph Macchio and Phyllis Fierro have been married since 1987, after meeting when they were just teenagers. The couple shares two children: daughter Julia, 31, and son Daniel, 28. Interestingly, Julia even played Daniel LaRusso’s cousin, Vanessa, on Cobra Kai.
The entire Macchio family attended the premiere together, and the actor expressed his joy in having them by his side. “My family’s here tonight, and it’s so wonderful to have them,” he said.
The Special Meaning Behind “Daniel”
The name Daniel holds special significance for Ralph Macchio. In a 2009 interview with PEOPLE, he shared, “My wife’s cousin Daniel was her best friend growing up. And yeah, for me the name Daniel will always mean something special,” referencing both his son and his iconic role.
Family: Macchio’s Biggest Accomplishment
While Ralph Macchio’s career spans decades, his proudest achievement remains his family. “My biggest accomplishment has been raising my family,” he said.
Macchio also credits his wife for helping him maintain a healthy balance between his professional and personal life. “Without her and without the foundation and the family we established, ‘one foot in, one foot out’ would have been very, very difficult on my own. Because there would not be balance.”
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