How 'Cobra Kai' star Ralph Macchio and Phyllis Fierro beat the Hollywood divorce odds
The couple has been married for 38 years
Ralph Macchio, the beloved actor known for his role as Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid, and his wife, Phyllis Fierro, have been married for 38 years. With divorce rates in the U.S. ranging from 40% to 50%, that's already impressive. When you consider that heâs a Hollywood actor, itâs even more rare.
Ralph Macchio and Phyllis Fierro at the Premiere of 'Midnight Run' 1988
Macchio and Fierro met when he was 15, introduced by a mutual friend at a family gathering. They said "I do" in 1987. The actor recently revealed the secret to a lasting marriage during the Cobra Kai season 6 red carpet finale premiere.
Ralph Macchio and wife Phyllis Fierro attend The Cinema Society & Men's Health screening of "The Fighter" To Benefit The Cinema School at SVA Theater on December 10, 2010
According to Macchio, the key is to âstay out of Hollywood.â "I've always kept one foot in and one foot out," he told Fox News Digital. His wife, Fierro, has stayed away from the spotlight. Sheâs an experienced nurse practitioner who worked on the frontlines of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Ralph Macchio and Phyllis Fierro at the NY Premiere of 'Great Balls of Fire', Ziegfeld Theater, New York City. 1989You may also like:
At 63, Macchio credits his wife for grounding him and helping elevate their family. The couple shares two children: daughter Julia, born in 1992, and son Daniel, born in 1995.
Ralph Macchio, Phyllis Fierro, Julia Macchio, and Daniel Macchio pose during the Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony honoring Macchio
Julia, who has followed in her fatherâs acting footsteps, appeared alongside him in seasons 4 and 5 of Cobra Kai. She shared her admiration for her dad at the premiere, saying, "He's the best dad. He's so supportive⊠I admire his work ethic and how he handles himself on set and off of set."
She also praised her experience "watching him work and just seeing how he conducts himself," adding, "It's how I wanted to work as well. So, he's been a wonderful role model for me."
Macchioâs career has flourished, especially since Cobra Kai debuted in 2018. The sequel series has continued the legacy of The Karate Kid, bringing together Macchio and William Zabka as former rivals now running competing dojos.
Reflecting on the success of the franchise, Macchio expressed surprise at its lasting impact, saying, âNo one could predict the level of success of that film, let alone this. This is beyond.â
Season 6, part 3, of Cobra Kai, is now available to stream on Netflix.