William Zabka Net Worth and Career Overview

William Zabka is an American actor, writer, and director who has a net worth of $4 million. He gained fame in the 1980s with his legendary portrayal of Johnny Lawrence in The Karate Kid (1984). This role established him as a well-known face in Hollywood, often typecast as the quintessential 1980s teen movie antagonist. Following his success in The Karate Kid, he starred in other 1980s classics such as Just One of the Guys (1985) and Back to School (1986). Over the years, William Zabka expanded his career by working behind the camera, even earning an Academy Award nomination for co-producing and starring in the short film Most (2004). He has also made guest appearances in numerous television series, including a memorable role as himself in How I Met Your Mother.

Who is William Zabka?

William Michael Zabka is an American actor best known for his portrayal of Johnny Lawrence in The Karate Kid (1984), The Karate Kid Part II (1986), and the popular Netflix series Cobra Kai (2018–2025). Despite having no previous karate training, his role in The Karate Kid launched his acting career. During the 1980s, he also appeared in films like Just One of the Guys (1985) and Back to School (1986), as well as in the television series The Equalizer (1986–1989).

William Zabka Early Life

Born on October 20, 1965, in New York, New York, William Zabka was raised in a family with strong ties to the entertainment industry. His father was the assistant director on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson during Johnny’s first two seasons as host. William Zabka started acting in his late teens, landing his first role in the TV series The Greatest American Hero. Just a year later, he won the role of Johnny Lawrence in The Karate Kid, a role that would define his career. Interestingly, he had no previous martial arts experience but was a high school wrestler.

William Zabka and The Karate Kid

Released in 1984, The Karate Kid became a massive success, earning $100 million in the U.S. alone on a budget of just $8 million. The movie ignited a global karate craze, and William Zabka, inspired by his role, later studied Tang Soo Do, earning a second-degree green belt. Throughout the 1980s, he appeared in numerous television and film projects, including National Lampoon’s European Vacation, The Karate Kid: Part II, The Greatest American Hero, E/R, and The Equalizer.

William Zabka Cobra Kai Career

In 2017, William Zabka and Ralph Macchio collaborated with producers to develop Cobra Kai, a reboot of The Karate Kid franchise. After receiving multiple offers from platforms like Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, and Apple, they chose YouTube Red as the show’s first home. Both William Zabka and Ralph Macchio reportedly earned $100,000 per episode for the first two seasons, which amounts to about $1 million per season per actor. They also serve as co-executive producers.

The first season of Cobra Kai premiered in May 2018, receiving widespread acclaim but struggling with low viewership on YouTube Red. In August 2020, Netflix acquired the show, where it became one of the streaming platform’s most popular series. Cobra Kai is confirmed to run for at least four seasons on Netflix.

How Does William Zabka Manage His Wealth?

While details of William Zabka’s net worth management remain private, his consistent work in the entertainment industry indicates a strategic financial approach. His diverse career—from acting to directing and producing—has contributed to his sustained earnings. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $3 million, reflecting a long-lasting career built through diverse roles and creative endeavors.

William Zabka Personal Life

Despite his Hollywood fame, William Zabka maintains a private personal life. He is married to Stacie Zabka, and together they have two children. The family leads a relatively low-key life away from the media. Although often portraying tough-guy roles, Zabka is widely regarded as one of the nicest people in Hollywood, with colleagues and fans frequently describing him as down-to-earth and humble.

William Zabka Real Estate Investments

William Zabka has made several real estate investments over the years:

• In February 1996, he purchased a home in Burbank, California, for $256,000. Today, it is worth around $1 million.
• In November 2020, he bought a house in Brentwood, Tennessee, for $1.025 million.
• Unfortunately, in January 2025, he lost a home in Palisades/Eaton fires in the Los Angeles area.

FAQs

What is William Zabka’s net worth?

William Zabka’s net worth is estimated at $3 million to $4 million.

What is William Zabka best known for?

He is best known for playing Johnny Lawrence in The Karate Kid series and the hit show Cobra Kai.

Did William Zabka have martial arts experience before The Karate Kid?

No, he had no previous karate experience but later trained in Tang Soo Do and earned a second-degree green belt.

How much did William Zabka earn from Cobra Kai?

He reportedly earned $100,000 per episode for the first two seasons, totaling about $1 million per season.

Is William Zabka married?

Yes, he is married to Stacie Zabka, and they have two children.

Conclusion

William Zabka’s net worth and career trajectory illustrate his versatility and longevity in Hollywood. From playing the ultimate 1980s movie antagonist to co-creating and producing Cobra Kai, he has successfully reinvented himself over the years. His financial success, real estate investments, and commitment to both acting and filmmaking continue to make him a notable figure in the entertainment industry. Whether through his karate-fueled legacy or his behind-the-scenes contributions, William Zabka remains a beloved Hollywood personality.

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