As of 2025, William Zabka has an estimated net worth of $3 million. He has built his wealth through acting, directing, writing, and producing. Best known for his role as Johnny Lawrence in The Karate Kid franchise and its successful sequel series Cobra Kai, Zabka has remained a prominent figure in pop culture for over four decades. Born on October 20, 1965, he is now 59 years old and continues to thrive in Hollywood.
How Did William Zabka Start His Career?
Zabka was born in New York City into a family involved in the entertainment industry. His father worked as a director and production manager, which exposed him to filmmaking from an early age. His acting career began in the early 1980s, with his first television role in The Greatest American Hero. However, his big break came in 1984 when he was cast as Johnny Lawrence, the antagonist in The Karate Kid.
What Role Did The Karate Kid Play in His Career?
Zabka’s portrayal of Johnny Lawrence, the aggressive high school bully, became one of the most iconic villain roles in 1980s cinema. His performance was so convincing that Ralph Macchio, who played the film’s protagonist, reportedly told producers that Zabka “scared the life out of him” during auditions.
Despite having no martial arts experience before filming, Zabka trained in Tang Soo Do after the movie and eventually earned a second-degree green belt. The success of The Karate Kid, which grossed $100 million in the U.S. on an $8 million budget, launched his career.
What Other Films and TV Shows Has Zabka Starred In?
After The Karate Kid, Zabka continued working in both television and film throughout the 1980s and 1990s. His roles included:
- Just One of the Guys (1985)
- National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985)
- The Karate Kid Part II (1986)
- The Equalizer (TV Series, 1986-1989)
- Shootfighter: Fight to the Death (1993)
While he continued to take on acting roles, Zabka gradually shifted towards writing and directing in the 2000s.
How Did William Zabka Transition Into Writing and Directing?
In 2003, Zabka wrote and produced the short film Most, a critically acclaimed project that received an Academy Award nomination for Best Live Action Short Film. This success led him to work behind the camera, directing commercials and music videos for brands like Verizon and Little Tikes.
During this time, he also made guest appearances on popular shows like How I Met Your Mother, where he humorously played himself.
How Much Does William Zabka Earn from Cobra Kai?
Zabka’s career took a major turn when he reunited with Ralph Macchio to create Cobra Kai, a sequel series following the lives of Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso decades after The Karate Kid.
In 2017, the project was pitched to various streaming platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, and Apple, but YouTube Red won the bid. When the show premiered in May 2018, it received critical acclaim, though it struggled with viewership due to YouTube Red’s limited audience.
Zabka and Macchio both serve as co-executive producers on Cobra Kai and reportedly earned $100,000 per episode for the first two seasons. This equated to $1 million per season for each actor.
How Did Cobra Kai Become a Massive Hit on Netflix?
In August 2020, Netflix acquired the streaming rights to Cobra Kai, which skyrocketed in popularity. The show became one of Netflix’s most-watched series, appealing to both nostalgic fans of The Karate Kid and a new generation of viewers.
By 2025, Cobra Kai has run for multiple successful seasons and expanded the Karate Kid universe. The show’s success has solidified Zabka’s legacy in Hollywood and provided him with a steady income stream.
What Other Projects Has William Zabka Worked On?
Aside from Cobra Kai, Zabka has remained active in film and television, exploring:
- Independent filmmaking
- Directing commercials and music videos
- Writing and developing new projects
His experience both in front of and behind the camera has allowed him to maintain a diverse and sustainable career in the entertainment industry.
What’s Next for William Zabka in 2025?
Zabka’s career resurgence with Cobra Kai has opened new doors for him. He is expected to continue working on acting, directing, and producing projects, potentially exploring more spin-offs within the Karate Kid universe.
At 59 years old, Zabka remains an active and influential figure in Hollywood, proving that legacy characters can find renewed success decades later. His journey from 1980s teen villain to modern-day fan favorite showcases the power of perseverance, reinvention, and great storytelling.
