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In 1984, Ralph Macchio starred inThe Karate Kidwhich went on to become one of the biggest cult hits in Hollywood. Following his appearance in the 2nd and 3rd films, Macchio attained superstardom for his role as the the vulnerable and bullied teenager who learns to defend himself through martial arts. While the trilogy cemented his place as one of Hollywood’s future superstars, Macchio’s career unfortunately did not take off as expected.
The celebrity who was expected to appear in many promising projects usingThe Karate Kidas a stepping stone, disappeared into oblivion after a few appearances in prominent films. One of the films that Macchio did not do, owing to contractual obligations withThe Karate Kid, turned out to be a big miss for the actor.
Also Read:“I should have done differently”: Ralph Macchio Hated Karate Kid Producers for Making Him Like James Bond That Led to His Co-Star Termination
Ralph Macchio Missed Out On A Key Film Owing To His Commitment ToThe Karate Kid
For a significant part of the 80s, Hollywood starRalph Macchiowas a household name thanks to the cult blockbuster trilogyThe Karate Kid. Macchio, who played a young teenager who learns martial arts as a defense mechanism from bullies, was one of the most popular young stars touted to become an industry A-lister. The actor though, went under the radar for many years while also missing out on some prominent projects owing to his contract commitments toThe Karate Kid.
Macchio was cast by Sidney Lumet in 1988’sRunning on Emptybut unfortunately couldn’t take part in the critically acclaimed drama because of his contractual obligation toThe Karate Kidfranchise and its future sequels. Another dashing young star of the time,River Phoenix, was eventually cast for the movie for which he earned an Oscar nomination as well. Macchio meanwhile, appeared in later years in the cult comedyMy Cousin Vinnybut faded into the background afterwards.
Also Read:“I just immediately welled up”: Blue Beetle Lead Xolo Maridueña’s Cobra Kai Co-Star Ralph Macchio Had a Hard Time Filming One Key Scene That Left Him in Tears
The Karate KidWas A Double Edged Sword For Ralph Macchio
1984’sThe Karate Kidand its sequels made Ralph Macchio one of Hollywood’s most sought after young stars of the generation. The franchise gave the actor cult status and made him an instantly recognizable face everywhere he went. Unfortunately, the films that gave him the foothold to superstardom, also resulted in the working against him. Macchio who was never able to make his career take off in Hollywood postThe Karate Kid,was seen as a one film wonder, with no other achievement to his name. As a result, he had to face some below-the-belt comments such as,
“Hey Ralph, didn’t I see you waxing on and waxing off at a car wash? You guys might know Macchio from The Karate Kid trilogy. And if you don’t know him from those movies, then you don’t know him at all…”
Macchio, though, learnt to take all the criticisms in his stride and ever indulged in a bit of self-depreciation. The actor, who resurrected his career recently, channelled all his emotions in a positive way through an autobiography titledWaxing Onthat tells the story of his fast rise in the 1980s, his lean spell from the 1990s onwards before getting his career back on track.
Also Read:Karate Kid Second Reboot Faces Disappointing Setback to Celebrate 40 Years Anniversary of Ralph Macchio’s 1984 Legendary Outing That Spawned Into Fan-Favorite Cobra Kai
Source:The Guardian
Sharanya Sankar
Senior Writer
Articles Published :1230
Sharanya Sankar, Writer for FandomwireHaving completed her Masters degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, Sharanya has a solid foundation in writing which is also one of her passions. She has worked previously with Book My show for a couple of years where she gained experience reviewing films and writing feature articles. Sharanya’s articles on film and pop culture have also been published on Film Companion, a popular film-based website. Apart from movies and pop culture, her interests include music and sports. She has contributed over 650 articles to Fandomwire so far.
