John "Johnny" Lawrence is a fictional character in The Karate Kid media franchise, portrayed by William Zabka. Introduced in the film The Karate Kid (1984), Johnny briefly returns at the beginning of the sequel, The Karate Kid Part II (1986). 34 years later, Zabka reprised the role in the sequel television series Cobra Kai (2018–2025), where he served as the main protagonist. He also made a cameo appearance in the film Karate Kid: Legends (2025). In the original film, Johnny is depicted as the jealous ex-boyfriend of Ali Mills, the prize student of the Cobra Kai karate dojo, and the defending champion of the All-Valley Under-18 Karate Tournament. He becomes Daniel LaRusso's arch-rival after the latter starts dating Ali, frequently bullying him alongside his fellow Cobra Kai students, and ultimately fighting him at the All-Valley, where he loses to Daniel, and is berated and attacked by his sensei/father figure John Kreese. After bravely standing up to him. In Cobra Kai, set decades after the original film, Johnny is depicted as having become a depressed alcoholic repairman who has a strained relationship with his son Robby, in contrast to Daniel, who has become a highly successful
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