William Zabka Net Worth: Age, Family, Career, & More Information
William Zabka is an American actor, screenwriter, producer, and director. He first gained fame in the 1980s, particularly for playing antagonistic roles in films such as The Karate Kid (1984) and Back to School (1986). Despite being typecast early in his career, Zabka has proven himself as a multi-talented artist, earning an Academy Award nomination for a short film he co-wrote and produced. His resurgence as Johnny Lawrence in the Netflix series Cobra Kai has cemented his place in pop culture history.
What is William Zabka Net Worth?
As of 2025, William Zabka net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. His wealth primarily comes from his acting career, Cobra Kai earnings, and ventures in production and directing. With the massive success of Cobra Kai, Zabka’s financial standing has seen a significant boost, as he reportedly earns a substantial salary per episode.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | William Michael Zabka |
| Date of Birth | October 20, 1965 |
| Place of Birth | New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Age (as of 2025) | 59 years old |
| Height | 6 feet (183 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 75 kg (165 lbs) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Actor, Screenwriter, Producer, Director |
| Years Active | 1983–present |
| Spouse | Stacie Zabka (married in 2008) |
| Children | 2 |
| Net Worth (2025) | $10 million |
| Education | El Camino Real Charter High School, California State University, Northridge |
| Breakthrough Role | Johnny Lawrence in The Karate Kid (1984) |
| Notable Projects | The Karate Kid (1984), Cobra Kai (2018–present), Most (2003, Academy Award-nominated) |
| Awards and Recognition | Academy Award nomination (Most, 2003), critical acclaim for Cobra Kai |
| Hobbies/Interests | Storytelling, Martial Arts (trained for roles), Directing, Producing |
| Known For | Iconic portrayal of Johnny Lawrence, Transition from acting to filmmaking |
| Future Plans | Exploring directing and producing opportunities, creating inspiring stories |
Age, Height, and Weight
William Zabka is currently 59 years old (as of 2025). He stands tall at 6 feet (183 cm) and weighs approximately 75 kg (165 lbs). His athletic build reflects his commitment to fitness, a necessity given the physical demands of his role in Cobra Kai.
Family and Legacy
Zabka comes from a creative and supportive family. His parents’ involvement in the arts significantly influenced his career choices. Today, Zabka is a dedicated husband and father. He keeps his family life private but has shared in interviews how important his wife and children are to his personal and professional balance.
His legacy extends beyond his acting roles; Zabka is admired for his resilience in Hollywood, evolving from a teen movie star to a respected figure in film and television production.
Education and Early Life
William Zabka attended El Camino Real Charter High School in California before pursuing further education at California State University, Northridge. During his college years, he balanced academics with an emerging acting career, which took off when he was cast as Johnny Lawrence in The Karate Kid at just 19 years old.
Zabka’s early life was marked by a deep interest in martial arts and storytelling. Though he didn’t practice karate before being cast in The Karate Kid, he trained intensively for the role, showcasing his dedication to authenticity in performance.
Relationship and Marriage Life
William Zabka is happily married to Stacie Zabka, whom he wed in 2008. The couple has two children and maintains a low-key lifestyle away from the public eye. Zabka often credits his wife for being his anchor and supporting him through the highs and lows of his career. Their strong partnership has been a cornerstone of his personal success.
Career Journey
1980s: Breakthrough Roles:Zabka’s acting career took off with his portrayal of Johnny Lawrence in The Karate Kid (1984), where he played the bully opposite Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso. The role catapulted him to fame, but it also typecast him as the quintessential 1980s antagonist.
1990s and 2000s: Reinvention:During this period, Zabka focused on honing his skills behind the camera. He co-wrote and produced the short film Most (2003), which earned an Academy Award nomination. This marked a turning point in his career, showcasing his depth as a storyteller.
2018–Present: Cobra Kai and Renaissance:Zabka’s career reached new heights with the debut of Cobra Kai in 2018. The show reimagines Johnny Lawrence as a complex, flawed character, earning Zabka critical acclaim and a new generation of fans. His performance has been lauded for its depth and humor, proving his versatility as an actor.
Future Plans
William Zabka shows no signs of slowing down. With the continued success of Cobra Kai, he is exploring opportunities in directing and producing. Zabka has expressed interest in creating stories that inspire and entertain while highlighting meaningful themes.
Additionally, fans speculate about his potential involvement in new projects within and beyond the Karate Kid universe. His dedication to the craft ensures that his contributions to Hollywood will continue to grow.
FAQs
1. How did William Zabka become famous?
William Zabka became famous for his role as Johnny Lawrence in The Karate Kid (1984).
2. Is William Zabka a trained martial artist?
While Zabka trained for his role in The Karate Kid, he was not a martial artist before being cast.
3. What is William Zabka’s net worth?
As of 2025, Zabka’s net worth is estimated to be $10 million.
4. Who is William Zabka’s wife?
William Zabka is married to Stacie Zabka, with whom he has two children.
5. What awards has William Zabka won?
Zabka’s short film Most earned an Academy Award nomination, and his work in Cobra Kai has received critical acclaim.
Summary
William Zabka’s journey from teen movie star to multifaceted filmmaker and beloved TV actor is a testament to his resilience and talent. Known for his iconic role as Johnny Lawrence, Zabka has reinvented himself time and again, proving that hard work and passion can overcome any obstacle.
As he continues to entertain audiences worldwide, Zabka remains an inspiring figure in Hollywood—a testament to the power of reinvention and dedication. Fans eagerly await what the future holds for this talented actor and creator.
Get the inside scoop on celebrity fashion and red carpet looks at frenchstreammoe.
