William Michael Zabka, better known as William Zabka, is an American actor, filmmaker, screenwriter, and producer who became a household name in the mid‑1980s thanks to his breakout role as Johnny Lawrence in The Karate Kid (1984). Born on October 20, 1965, in New York City, Zabka grew up in a creative family—his father, Stan Zabka, was a composer and film director, while his mother, Nancy Zabka, worked as a producer and production assistant. This early exposure to the entertainment world no doubt fueled his own career ambitions.
Unlike many child actors, Zabka wasn’t deeply entrenched in acting from a young age. His rise to stardom was quick and somewhat unexpected. At the age of 18, with no formal martial arts background, he was cast as the blonde‑haired teenage bully Johnny Lawrence, the arch‑nemesis of Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid. This role would not only define his early career but also follow him for decades—eventually leading to a celebrated comeback with Netflix’s Cobra Kai.
William Zabka Age and Height
As of 2025, William Zabka is 59 years old. Standing between 5 ft 11 in and 6 ft 0½ in (180–184 cm) depending on the source, Zabka’s athletic build was part of what made him convincing as a teenage martial arts champion in The Karate Kid. While he had never trained in karate before his role, he quickly immersed himself in martial arts, earning a green belt in Tang Soo Do for authenticity in the films.
William Zabka Movies and TV Shows
Breakthrough Film Roles
William Zabka’s film career began with an unforgettable bang:
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The Karate Kid (1984) – His first major role as Johnny Lawrence became an iconic pop‑culture moment.
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The Karate Kid Part II (1986) – A brief but notable reprise of Johnny Lawrence.
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Just One of the Guys (1985) – A romantic teen comedy where Zabka played Greg Tolan.
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Back to School (1986) – Co‑starred alongside Rodney Dangerfield as a college antagonist.
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National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985) – Played a love interest in the comedy classic.
Later Film Work
In the 1990s and 2000s, Zabka shifted toward independent films and smaller roles:
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Shootfighter: Fight to the Death (1993)
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Interceptors (1999)
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Hot Tub Time Machine (2010) – A comedic cameo that delighted fans.
Television Highlights
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The Equalizer (1986–1989) – Recurring role as Scott McCall.
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How I Met Your Mother (2013–2014) – Appeared as a fictionalized version of himself in several episodes, embracing his Johnny Lawrence persona.
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Guest spots on Psych, Robot Chicken, and other shows.
William Zabka’s Career Reinvention: Cobra Kai
In 2018, William Zabka stunned fans with his return as Johnny Lawrence in Cobra Kai, a continuation of the Karate Kid saga told from Johnny’s perspective. The series re‑framed the original rivalry, portraying Johnny as a flawed but sympathetic anti‑hero. Zabka wasn’t just the lead actor—he also served as co‑executive producer, helping to shape the show’s creative direction.
The series was a hit from the start, debuting on YouTube Premium before being acquired by Netflix, where it exploded in popularity. Across six seasons (2018–2025), Cobra Kai not only revitalized Zabka’s acting career but also significantly increased William Zabka Net Worth.
William Zabka Wife: Stacie Zabka
William Zabka has been married to Stacie Lynn Doss Zabka since 2008. While Stacie has largely avoided the limelight, the couple is known to be private yet devoted, raising two sons together. Stacie occasionally appears with William at events, but she keeps her professional and personal life mostly out of public view.
How Much is William Zabka Net Worth?
As of 2025, William Zabka Net Worth is estimated to be around $4 million. This figure marks a notable increase from 2023–2024 estimates of approximately $3 million. Several factors have contributed to this growth:
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Cobra Kai Salary – For the first two seasons, Zabka reportedly earned around $100,000 per episode (about $1 million per season). As the show’s popularity soared and it moved to Netflix, his salary likely increased substantially.
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Producer Earnings – As a co‑executive producer, Zabka shares in the show’s backend profits and receives residual income from streaming deals and syndication.
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Past Acting Work – While earlier roles didn’t bring massive paydays, they helped maintain his relevance and steady income.
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Filmmaking Ventures – His short film Most (2003) earned an Academy Award nomination, cementing his credibility behind the camera.
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Convention Appearances – As a beloved ’80s pop‑culture figure, Zabka commands appearance fees at fan conventions worldwide.
William Zabka Net Worth 2024 to 2025
The growth in William Zabka Net Worth between 2024 and 2025 is largely tied to:
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The final seasons of Cobra Kai.
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Increased global streaming revenue from Netflix’s distribution of Cobra Kai.
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Potential merchandising and licensing deals tied to the Karate Kid and Cobra Kai brand.
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Continued high‑profile appearances and media engagements.
In essence, 2025 has likely been one of the most financially rewarding years of Zabka’s career.
William Zabka as a Cultural Icon
What makes William Zabka’s story remarkable is how he turned what could have been a career‑limiting typecast role into a lifelong asset. In the 1980s, he was Hollywood’s go‑to “blonde bad boy,” but instead of fading into obscurity, he reinvented himself as a creator, storyteller, and entrepreneur. His work on Cobra Kai proved he could adapt to the evolving entertainment industry while honoring his roots.
William Zabka Quick Facts Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Michael Zabka |
| Date of Birth | October 20, 1965 |
| Age (2025) | 59 years |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in – 6 ft 0½ in (180–184 cm) |
| Notable Roles | Johnny Lawrence (The Karate Kid, Cobra Kai) |
| Academy Nomination | Most (2003) – Best Live Action Short Film |
| Spouse | Stacie Lynn Doss Zabka (m. 2008) |
| Children | 2 sons |
| Estimated Net Worth 2024 | $3 million |
| Estimated Net Worth 2025 | $4 million |
The Legacy of William Zabka
From the teenage karate bully audiences loved to hate to the mature, flawed hero of Cobra Kai, William Zabka’s career arc is a testament to reinvention, resilience, and smart career management. The enduring popularity of The Karate Kid franchise, combined with his behind‑the‑scenes roles, means that William Zabka Net Worth will likely remain strong even beyond Cobra Kai.
Final Thoughts
William Zabka Net Worth has grown impressively from 2024 to 2025, reflecting his savvy career decisions, creative versatility, and ability to connect with multiple generations of fans. With a solid legacy in film and television, continued opportunities in directing and producing, and a strong personal brand, Zabka remains a key figure in the entertainment industry.
Written by Mating Press Biography
