Every Actor from ‘Karate Kid’ Franchise Who Died
The ‘Karate Kid’ franchise, a beloved series that began in 1984, has left a lasting mark on pop culture with its heartfelt stories of mentorship, resilience, and martial arts. From the original film to its sequels and the modern ‘Cobra Kai’ revival, the series has showcased a wide range of talented actors who brought its characters to life.
Sadly, many of these performers are no longer with us, their contributions to the franchise cherished by fans worldwide. This article honors the actors from the ‘Karate Kid’ series who have passed away, celebrating their roles and the legacy they left behind.
Charlie Tanimoto
Charlie Tanimoto played Miyagi’s father in ‘The Karate Kid Part II’ (1986), a role that added emotional depth to Mr. Miyagi’s backstory. His brief but poignant performance as the patriarch in Okinawa grounded the film’s exploration of family and heritage.
Born in Hawaii in 1905, Tanimoto was a seasoned actor who also appeared in ‘The MacKenzies of Paradise Cove’ (1979). He passed away in 1988 in Honolulu, leaving behind a touching legacy in the franchise.
Danny Kamekona
Danny Kamekona brought intensity to the role of Sato in ‘The Karate Kid Part II’ (1986), playing the formidable rival to Mr. Miyagi. His performance as the vengeful Okinawan karate master was a standout, adding tension to the sequel.
Born in 1935 in Hawaii, Kamekona also appeared in ‘Problem Child’ (1990) and ‘Robot Jox’ (1989). He passed away in 1996 in Los Angeles, leaving a strong impression from his time in the franchise.
Joseph V. Perry
Joseph V. Perry played Uncle Louie in ‘The Karate Kid Part III’ (1989), bringing warmth to the role of Daniel’s supportive relative. His performance added a familial touch to the film’s narrative.
Born in 1931 in Pennsylvania, Perry was known for roles in ‘Hot Shots! Part Deux’ (1993) and ‘The Domino Principle’ (1977). He died in 2000 in California due to complications from diabetes, remembered for his heartfelt screen presence.
Nobu McCarthy
Nobu McCarthy portrayed Yukie in ‘The Karate Kid Part II’ (1986), the gentle love interest from Mr. Miyagi’s past. Her graceful performance added emotional weight to the film’s romantic subplot.
Born in Canada in 1934 and raised in Japan, McCarthy starred in ‘The Geisha Boy’ (1958) and led the East West Players theater group. She passed away in 2002 in Brazil from an aortic aneurysm while filming ‘Gaijin: Ama-me Como Sou’ (2005).
Arsenio ‘Sonny’ Trinidad
Arsenio ‘Sonny’ Trinidad played Ichiro and the Abbot Monk in ‘The Karate Kid Part II’ (1986) and ‘The Next Karate Kid’ (1994), bringing quiet wisdom to his roles. His performances enriched the spiritual elements of the franchise.
Born in 1911, Trinidad appeared in ‘Darkman’ (1990) and ‘Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls’ (1995). He died in 2003 in Los Angeles, leaving behind a legacy of understated but impactful roles.
Eddie Smith
Eddie Smith appeared as a bystander in ‘The Karate Kid Part II’ (1986), contributing to the film’s vibrant Okinawan setting. His small role helped create the immersive atmosphere of the sequel.
Born in 1924 in Missouri, Smith was known for ‘Live and Let Die’ (1973) and ‘Do the Right Thing’ (1989). He passed away in 2005 in San Diego, remembered for his work across action and drama films.
Bruce Malmuth
Bruce Malmuth played the ring announcer in both ‘The Karate Kid’ (1984) and ‘The Karate Kid Part II’ (1986), adding energy to the films’ tournament scenes. His lively delivery became a memorable part of the franchise’s early energy.
A director and actor, Malmuth, born in 1934, helmed ‘Nighthawks’ (1981) and worked with troubled youth through theater. He died in 2005 from esophageal cancer, leaving a legacy in both film and social good.
Pat Morita
Pat Morita’s iconic portrayal of Mr. Miyagi in ‘The Karate Kid’ (1984), ‘The Karate Kid Part II’ (1986), ‘The Karate Kid Part III’ (1989), and ‘The Next Karate Kid’ (1994) defined the franchise. His wisdom and warmth made Miyagi a cultural icon.
Born in 1932, Morita also starred in ‘Happy Days’ (1974-1984) and ‘Ohara’ (1987-1988). He passed away in 2005 in Las Vegas from kidney failure, remembered as the heart of the series.
Seth Sakai
Seth Sakai played a Buddhist monk in ‘The Next Karate Kid’ (1994), adding a serene presence to the film’s focus on inner strength. His role complemented the story’s themes of growth and discipline.
Born in 1932 in Hawaii, Sakai appeared in ‘Pearl Harbor’ (2001) and ‘Magnum, P.I.’ (1980-1988). He died in 2007 in Honolulu, leaving behind a quiet but meaningful contribution to the franchise.
Bud Ekins
Bud Ekins portrayed Jack Russell in ‘The Next Karate Kid’ (1994), bringing a rugged edge to the film’s supporting cast. His role added grit to the story’s new direction.
Born in 1930 in California, Ekins was a legendary stuntman known for ‘Sorcerer’ (1977) and ‘The Blues Brothers’ (1980). He passed away in 2007 in Los Angeles, celebrated for his work behind and in front of the camera.
Bernie Kuby
Bernie Kuby played Mr. Harris in ‘The Karate Kid’ (1984), a small but memorable role as a teacher in Daniel’s early journey. His performance added authenticity to the film’s school setting.
A songwriter and author born in 1920, Kuby contributed to stage productions like ‘Analysis in Wonderland.’ He died in 2008, remembered for his creative work across multiple fields.
Diana Webster
Diana Webster appeared as Margaret in ‘The Karate Kid Part III’ (1989), bringing a subtle charm to her brief role. Her performance added depth to the film’s supporting cast.
Born in 1924 in England, Webster was known for ‘The Ice Pirates’ (1984) and ‘In Search of…’ (1976-1982). She passed away in 2010, leaving a legacy of diverse roles in film and television.
Frances Bay
Frances Bay played Lady with Dog and Mrs. Milo in ‘The Karate Kid’ (1984) and ‘The Karate Kid Part III’ (1989), bringing her signature charm to these small roles. Her presence added warmth to the franchise.
Born in 1919 in Canada, Bay was beloved for ‘Happy Gilmore’ (1996) and ‘Twin Peaks’ (1990-1991). She died in 2011 from complications of pneumonia, remembered for her endearing elderly characters.
Daniel Inouye
Daniel Inouye appeared as a senator in ‘The Next Karate Kid’ (1994), lending real-world gravitas to the film. His cameo tied the story to themes of honor and leadership.
A decorated World War II veteran and U.S. senator from Hawaii, born in 1924, Inouye served from 1963 until his death in 2012 from respiratory complications. His brief role remains a unique part of the franchise.
Brian Smiar
Brian Smiar played O’Connor in ‘The Next Karate Kid’ (1994), adding a grounded presence to the film’s cast. His role supported the story’s focus on new challenges for Julie.
Born in 1937 in Ohio, Smiar appeared in ‘The Great Debaters’ (2007) and ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’ (2001). He passed away in 2013 in New York, leaving behind a legacy of strong character roles.
Larry Drake
Larry Drake portrayed Yahoo #1 in ‘The Karate Kid’ (1984), bringing a rough edge to the Cobra Kai crew. His role added tension to Daniel’s early conflicts.
Born in 1949 in Oklahoma, Drake was known for ‘Darkman’ (1990) and ‘L.A. Law’ (1986-1994). He died in 2016 from blood cancer, remembered for his powerful performances across genres.
Jan Tříska
Jan Tríska played Milos in ‘The Karate Kid Part III’ (1989), a villainous henchman who heightened the film’s stakes. His intense performance made the antagonist group memorable.
Born in 1936 in Czechoslovakia, Tríska starred in ‘Ronin’ (1998) and ‘Reds’ (1981). He passed away in 2017 in Prague after a fall, leaving a legacy of compelling roles.
Rodney Kageyama
Rodney Kageyama appeared as a monk in ‘The Next Karate Kid’ (1994), contributing to the film’s spiritual tone. His quiet role resonated with the story’s themes of inner peace.
Born in 1941 in California, Kageyama was known for ‘Pretty Woman’ (1990) and ‘Quantum Leap’ (1989-1993). He died in 2018 in Los Angeles, remembered for his versatile contributions.
Rob Garrison
Rob Garrison played Tommy in ‘The Karate Kid’ (1984) and ‘The Karate Kid Part II’ (1986), delivering the iconic ‘Get him a body bag!’ line. His role as a Cobra Kai bully was unforgettable.
Born in 1960 in West Virginia, Garrison also appeared in ‘Iron Eagle’ (1986) and reprised Tommy in ‘Cobra Kai’ (2018-2025). He passed away in 2019 from kidney and liver failure.
Randell Dennis Widner
Randell Dennis Widner played Sparring Partner #1 in ‘The Karate Kid Part III’ (1989), adding physicality to the film’s training sequences. His role supported the story’s martial arts focus.
Born in 1947 in California, Widner was a stuntman in ‘Lethal Weapon’ (1987) and ‘The Goonies’ (1985). He passed away in 2021, leaving a legacy in action-packed films.
Clarence Gilyard Jr.
Clarence Gilyard Jr. appeared as G.I. #1 in ‘The Karate Kid Part II’ (1986), contributing to the film’s military subplot. His small role added to the story’s tension.
Born in 1955 in Washington, Gilyard was known for ‘Die Hard’ (1988) and ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ (1993-2001). He died in 2022 from a long illness, remembered for his dynamic screen presence.
Dana Andersen
Dana Andersen portrayed Barbara in ‘The Karate Kid’ (1984), a minor role that added to the film’s school atmosphere. Her performance brought authenticity to Daniel’s early struggles.
Born in 1963 in California, Andersen appeared in ‘Outbreak’ (1995) and ‘He Said, She Said’ (1991). She died in 2023 in Virginia, remembered for her contributions to the franchise.
Shannon Wilcox
Shannon Wilcox played Mrs. Mills in ‘The Karate Kid’ (1984), adding a parental perspective to Daniel’s story. Her brief role helped ground the film’s emotional core.
Born in 1943 in Ohio, Wilcox was known for ‘Se7en’ (1995) and ‘Frankie and Johnny’ (1991). She passed away in 2023 in Los Angeles, leaving a legacy of heartfelt performances.
Pat E. Johnson
Pat E. Johnson served as the referee in ‘The Karate Kid’ (1984), ‘The Karate Kid Part II’ (1986), and ‘The Karate Kid Part III’ (1989), bringing authenticity to the tournament scenes. His martial arts expertise shaped the franchise’s action.
Born in 1939 in New York, Johnson was a stunt coordinator for ‘Enter the Dragon’ (1973). He died in 2023 from natural causes, celebrated for his behind-the-scenes impact.
Chad McQueen
Chad McQueen played Dutch in ‘The Karate Kid’ (1984) and ‘The Karate Kid Part II’ (1986), embodying the tough Cobra Kai bully. His role was pivotal to the franchise’s early rivalries.
Born in 1960 in California, McQueen starred in ‘Firepower’ (1993) and was the son of Steve McQueen. He passed away in 2024 from organ failure, remembered for his intense screen presence.
William Bassett
William Bassett portrayed Mr. Mills in ‘The Karate Kid’ (1984), adding a parental dynamic to Daniel’s story. His role helped flesh out the film’s everyday setting.
Born in 1935 in Illinois, Bassett appeared in ‘Black Dynamite’ (2009) and ‘House of 1000 Corpses’ (2003). He died in 2025, leaving a legacy of versatile character roles.
Peter Jason
Peter Jason played the soccer coach in ‘The Karate Kid’ (1984), contributing to the film’s high school vibe. His brief role added realism to Daniel’s early challenges.
Born in 1944 in California, Jason was a favorite of directors like John Carpenter and appeared in ‘48 Hrs.’ (1982). He passed away in 2025 from cancer, remembered for his prolific career.
Rick Hurst
Rick Hurst portrayed the announcer in ‘The Karate Kid Part III’ (1989), bringing energy to the film’s climactic tournament. His lively performance tied the trilogy’s action together.
Born in 1946 in Texas, Hurst was known for ‘Steel Magnolias’ (1989) and ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’ (1979-1985). He died in 2025, leaving behind a legacy of memorable supporting roles.
Which ‘Karate Kid’ actor’s performance left the biggest impact on you, or did I miss someone who deserves a mention? Share your thoughts in the comments!