In Hollywood, marriages flicker out faster than shooting stars, but Ralph Macchio and his wife, Phyllis Fierro, have defied the odds. The Cobra Kai and The Karate Kid star has somehow managed to keep his personal life away from the glitz and glam.
While his career has soared again since 2018, Macchio’s family life is still going strong. So what’s his secret, and has the actor learned lessons from the Miyagi-Do that have stayed with him in real life?
Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso is a reflection of Miyagi-Do principles
Ralph Macchio’s portrayal of Daniel LaRusso embodied the philosophy of Miyagi-Do, both in The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai. At its core, Miyagi-Do happens to be about balance, defense, peace, and inner harmony. Daniel went from being a bullied teenager to an evolved mentor, and his whole arc mirrors the teaching of his sensei, Mr. Miyagi.
One of the main aspects of the school he follows is balance in all aspects of life. Macchio’s character is a testament to this idea, as he navigates his rivalries with Johnny, manages his business, and mentors his next generation while maintaining equilibrium.
During the premiere of Cobra Kai, the actor reflected on the franchise and its impact, saying, “No one could predict the level of success of that film, let alone this. This is beyond.” His words are undoubtedly true because the success of his on-screen role has perhaps gone “beyond,” and positively influenced his personal life (via Hola!).
Embodying Migayi-Do in real life: Ralph Macchio balances love, family, and career
While Daniel LaRusso carries the Miyagi-Do’s legacy with great pride, Ralph Macchio seems to have applied the principles in his own life. His 38-year-long marriage to Phyllis Fierro truly showcases his commitment to a life of balance and Harmony. The actor credits his enduring relationship to a simple philosophy, “I’ve always kept one foot in and one foot out,” which is a statement about maintaining a healthy distance from the Hollywood spotlight.
Fierro is a nurse practitioner who contributed immensely during the COVID-19 pandemic and has been a grounding force in Macchio’s life for decades. The couple share two children, Julia and Daniel, and the former has followed in his father’s footsteps as an actor, and she’s also a part of Cobra Kai.
She has deep respect for her father, and during the same event, the young actress said, “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.” Her statement speaks volumes about Macchio, whose efforts to strike a balance as a family man and a true professional are even recognized by his children.
So it seems like the Cobra Kai star has remained true to the principles of Miyagi-Do, in his off-screen life. So, Macchio continues to carry forward the legacy of The Karate Kid franchise in the most profound way.
You can watch Cobra Kai on Netflix.
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