‘Karate Kid’ star Ralph Macchio credits the Hollywood secret that keeps him strong
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Ralph Macchio, honored at NYC Second Chance Rescue’s 6th Annual Rescue Ball for his animal welfare work, opens up about the simple philosophy that has kept him in Hollywood for decades.
The “Karate Kid” star, who became famous as Daniel LaRusso, revealed how he avoids the pitfalls of the industry while retaining the young powerhouse fans have been raving about for years.
“The combination of my intelligence, I will give credit to my parents when I was young and my wife and children now,” Macchio told Fox News Digital exclusively on the Rescue Ball red carpet. “I’ve always kept one foot in and one foot out, balance, there’s a Miyagi-ism for you, if you’re a ‘Karate Kid’ fan … I’m doing my best.”
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Ralph Macchio is shown standing and smiling. (BFA / Kevin Czopek)
That grounded approach has been key to staying afloat in an industry where burnout is common, he added.
The actor was honored with the Angel & Hero Award at NYC Second Chance Rescue’s 6th Annual Rescue Ball, held at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers in New York City, for his support of animal welfare efforts.
WATCH: ‘KARATE KID’ RALPH MACCHIO SHARES HIS LIFE IN HOLLYWOOD
When it comes to her seemingly endless looks, Macchio isn’t looking for a Hollywood secret.
“Oh, I don’t know about that. Maybe we should turn the camera back a bit,” he joked. “Try to live a healthy life and you don’t always succeed, but here we are. Once again, I will blame my parents for my youthful appearance.”
Cobra Kai co-producer Ralph Macchio attends the Newport Beach TV FEST show Saturday at the Lido Theater in Newport Beach, Calif., on June 7, 2025. (Tiffany Rose/Getty Images)
Decades after “The Karate Kid” first hit theaters, Macchio said the story continues to resonate for a reason.
“Because it worked on a human level … that character had no business winning anything,” he said. “It was wish-fulfillment and wish-fulfillment fun, and it worked. Every kid wants to have someone to teach them about the challenges — the good over the bad, all those aspects.”
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That enduring appeal helped fuel the success of “Cobra Kai,” which introduced Macchio to a new generation of fans.
Pat Morita and Ralph Macchio appear in a scene from the 1984 film “The Karate Kid.” (Columbia Images/Getty Images)
Off screen, Macchio is also recognized for giving back.
Macchio, who was one of the honorees that night, said the honor hit close to home — especially since her involvement in animal rescue grew with her family.
“My family gets the credit,” he said. “If you asked me 10 years ago if I would be honored to rescue dogs, I would have said, ‘I’m not sure I’m your guy.’ … but my family started going to Kent [Animal] Residence on Long Island. Seeing these neglected animals … greeted me.”
“The Parent Trap” star Elaine Hendrix said this one lifestyle change helped her “age back.” (BFA / Kevin Czopek)
NYC Second Chance Rescue’s 6th Annual Rescue Ball featured a number of honorees and supporters in the animal welfare community, including Rob and Marisol Thomas, founders of the Sidewalk Angels Foundation, and Drs. Tom Walker, all recipients of the Angel & Hero Award for their dedication to animal welfare. Special guests Georgina Bloomberg and Elaine Hendrix were also in attendance during the star-studded evening.
WATCH: ‘Parent’ STAR ELAINE HENDRIX LEADS THIS FEED ON ‘AGING BACK’
“The Parent Trap” star Hendrix also spoke about changing the Hollywood lifestyle and acting career, praising his lifestyle.
“Going vegan, both in food and in lifestyle,” Hendrix said. “People always say, ‘You’re getting old.’ And I say, ‘Well, that’s because I treat my whole life with great compassion and consideration.’ So, I would say go vegan. “
He also reflected on what led to his long-term commitment to animal rescue.
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“I looked on the Internet and saw a video of a secret fur,” he said. “And it was so scary for me, it completely changed my life. And from that moment on, I was working for animals all over the world.”
The purpose of this program was to center the organizers, who say that the need for support has never been greater.
Second Chance Rescue NYC founder Jennifer Brooks speaks at a fundraiser. (BFA / Kevin Czopek)
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“I also want to let everyone know what’s going on in the animal world. There are a lot of issues going on right now with overcrowding and breeding,” Jennifer Brooks, founder of NYC Second Chance Rescue, told Fox News Digital.
WATCH: JENNIFER BROOKS RAISES THE ALARM ON ANIMAL PROBLEM
Brooks also emphasized the importance of people being respected and their contribution to the effort.
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“People are really passionate like Elaine Hendrix here. She’s not just a star, but she’s really a hero for animals. She walks the walk and talks the talk. She always represents the cause. So, really people who, really deep inside care, and they give everything for the cause,” he said.
The event – featuring celebrities, advocates and sponsors – supports efforts to rescue and rehome endangered animals, as the organization has saved more than 17,000 lives since its inception.
