DANIEL LARUSSO
Ralph Macchio
Daniel LaRusso is a Newark, New Jersey, transplant to sunny California who brims with natural charm. In his memoir, Waxing On, actor Ralph Macchio describes Daniel as someone who possesses “a sweet toughness.” This teenager also, unfortunately, seems to attract bullies. Before school even starts, Daniel takes a shine to classmate Ali Mills (Elisabeth Shue). This ticks off her ex, Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), who with his fellow martial arts thugs uses Daniel as a punching bag. Thankfully, Daniel comes under the protection of Nariyoshi Miyagi (Noriyuki “Pat” Morita). For the fatherless Daniel, Miyagi develops into not only the father figure he craves, but also the martial arts master he needs. This allows Daniel to triumph over Johnny at the All Valley Championships. He soon accompanies…
