Ralph Macchio: From Karate Kid To Family Roots [Facts]

Georgette Lindgren II 26 May 2025

Ever wondered about the forces that shape a star? Behind every celebrated actor, there's often an unsung hero, a figure whose influence, though subtle, is undeniably profound. In the life of Ralph Macchio, the celebrated actor best known for his iconic role as Daniel LaRusso in the Karate Kid franchise, that figure is undoubtedly his mother, Rosalie Macchio (née DeSantis).

Ralph George Macchio Jr. was born on November 4, 1961, in Huntington, Long Island, New York, a son to Rosalie and Ralph Macchio Sr. He's the older of two boys; his brother is Steven. The Macchio household, nestled in Suffolk County, New York, was a melting pot of cultures, heavily influenced by their Italian and Greek heritage. While Ralph Macchio danced in the spotlight, Rosalie, a woman of humble beginnings, chose a path less traveled, one grounded in family and quiet strength. It's this quiet strength, combined with a deep sense of family, that instilled in young Ralph the values that would later define his character both on and off the screen. Ralph's journey began with tap dancing lessons at the tender age of 3, leading to his discovery during an Eddie Cantor impression performance, setting the stage for his future career. His career trajectory included early appearances in TV commercials in the late 1970s, a role in the comedy movie "Up the Academy" (1980), and a regular role in the television series "Eight is Enough" (1977), followed by a commendable performance as Johnny Cade in "The Outsiders."

Category	Information
Full Name	Ralph George Macchio Jr.
Date of Birth	November 4, 1961
Place of Birth	Huntington, Long Island, New York
Age	62 years old (as of November 2023)
Occupation	Actor
Known For	Daniel LaRusso in the "Karate Kid" films and series
Parents	Rosalie (née DeSantis) and Ralph Macchio Sr.
Siblings	Steven Macchio (brother)
Spouse	Phyllis Fierro (married in 1987)
Children	Julia Macchio, Daniel Macchio
Early Career	TV commercials, "Up the Academy," "Eight is Enough"
Breakthrough Role	Daniel LaRusso in "The Karate Kid" (1984)
Other Notable Roles	"The Outsiders," "Crossroads," "My Cousin Vinny"
Recent Projects	"Cobra Kai" (TV series)
Website	Official Ralph Macchio Website

Ralph's father, Ralph Macchio Sr., had Italian and Greek roots and ran several laundromats and a wastewater disposal business. His mother, Rosalie, with Italian ancestry from Naples, worked to keep their Italian traditions alive. Rosalie and Ralph Macchio Sr. married on July 25, 1959, two years before Ralph was born. They welcomed another son, Steven, to the Macchio clan. The couple’s entrepreneurial spirit extended beyond laundromats and wastewater disposal, as they also owned a ranch. It's even noted that Ralph and Rosalie Macchio delighted in welcoming the former president to their business, highlighting their involvement in the community and their success as entrepreneurs.

Rosalie Macchio's birthday is August 13, 1938, making her 86 years old. Her previous residences include Montauk, Islandia, and Deer Park, NY. Other names she uses include Rosalie Ralph Macchio Macchio. Her religious views are listed as Christian, her ethnicity is Caucasian, and her political affiliation is none. It is evident that Rosalie's influence extended beyond the domestic sphere, as she is listed as the registered agent for two companies, with filing numbers 3311986 and 3311999. Both companies' filing status is active, and their registered agent is Mrs./Ms. Rosalie Macchio, located at 10 Seaman Place, Deer Park, NY 11729. These details paint a picture of a woman who, while supporting her son's burgeoning career, remained active and engaged in her own endeavors.

Rosalie Macchio is also on Facebook, where she connects with family and friends. Facebook gives people the power to share and makes the world more open and connected. Birthdays are worth celebrating. Many consider it to be a special milestone in life and it is probably the same for your parents; Even though they may not make a big deal out of it in terms of having a party.

The character of Daniel LaRusso in four Karate Kid films, the 1984 film "The Karate Kid" and its sequels, "The Karate Kid Part II" in 1986, "The Karate Kid Part III" in 1989, and "The Next Karate Kid" were critically aclaimed. Ralph Macchio started his film career in various TV commercials in the late 1970s before appearing in the puerile comedy movie Up the Academy (1980), then a regular role in 1980 on the television series eight is enough (1977) followed by a decent performance as teenager Johhny Cade in "The Outsiders."

While Ralph Macchio gained global exposure by portraying the lead character of Daniel LaRusso in the 1984 blockbuster martial arts film, "The Karate Kid", the values that shaped his portrayal, and his life, were deeply rooted in the upbringing provided by his parents, Ralph Sr. and Rosalie. Ralph Macchio’s ethnicity and family values played a significant role in his life and career. Talking about his father, he was half Greek and half Italian. His mother was of full Italian descent, and the entire family belongs to Naples.

Rosalie Macchio has 5 family members. Adult relatives include Ralph Macchio, Julia Macchio, and Rosalie Macchio, who may be immediate family like parents, siblings, husbands, or wives, as well as extended family such as cousins. Look up all relatives and contact details by accessing the full family list for Rosalie Macchio.

Delving into the Macchio family history reveals a tapestry woven with threads of entrepreneurship, cultural pride, and unwavering support. The narrative extends beyond Ralph's acting career, painting a portrait of a family deeply rooted in their community and committed to their values. Rosalie Macchio's influence, though often behind the scenes, is an integral part of the Ralph Macchio story.

Born on November 4th, 1961, in New York, Ralph Macchio is not just an actor; he is a product of his environment, shaped by the love, values, and entrepreneurial spirit of his parents, Ralph Sr. and Rosalie Macchio. The story of Rosalie and Ralph Macchio Sr. is the foundation upon which Ralph Macchio's success was built, offering a glimpse into the lives that shaped a Hollywood icon.

Ralph George Macchio was born on November 4, 1961, in Huntington, Long Island, New York. His parents are Rosalie DeSantis and Ralph George Macchio Sr. After Ralph, Rosalie and Ralph Snr. welcomed another son to the Macchio clan.