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Ralph Macchio catapulted into stardom during the 1980s, leaving an indelible mark with iconic roles in films such as The Karate Kid and My Cousin Vinny. However, it was his portrayal of Johnny Cade in the 1983 coming-of-age movie, The Outsiders, that truly launched his career. Remarkably, many of the actors in the film were notably older than the characters they portrayed.
Macchio’s connection with the character of Johnny began long before the movie’s release. He first encountered S.E. Hinton’s novel, The Outsiders, while in school at the age of 12. In an interview with Parade, Macchio reminisced, “It was the first book that I ever finished cover to cover … I was immediately connected to it.”
Upon learning of Francis Ford Coppola’s auditions for the film adaptation, Macchio was confident he was a perfect fit for the role of Johnny. He believed he physically embodied the character, stating, “I always felt [Johnny Cade] sounded like I looked. Big puppy dog eyes, dark hair. He was the runt. I was never the biggest guy in class.”
The auditions for The Outsiders drew a plethora of young talent, including Scott Baio, Dennis Quaid, and even a young Leonardo DiCaprio. The unique process involved group readings selected by Coppola. Ultimately, Macchio secured the role, a portrayal that seemed tailor-made for him. He starred alongside a remarkable ensemble cast including C. Thomas Howell, Matt Dillon, Rob Lowe, Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze, and Emilio Estevez.
Portraying the 16-year-old greaser, Johnny Cade, Macchio delved into the character’s tumultuous home life, which sharply contrasted with his own upbringing. Johnny’s struggles resonated deeply with Macchio, who reflected, “Those were the challenges, but I embraced them.”
In a bid to toughen up for the role, Coppola advised Macchio to rough it out and even spent a night sleeping outside under newspapers, mirroring Johnny’s experiences. Despite being told he appeared “too Long Island” and “too clean” for the role, Macchio’s timeless youthful visage undoubtedly played a role in his casting. At 20 years old during filming, he was slightly older than the character he portrayed.
Following The Outsiders, Macchio’s compelling performance paved the way for him to land the lead in The Karate Kid in 1984. He continued to embody teenage roles despite being closer to 30, a testament to his enduring youthful appearance. Films like Teachers, My Cousin Vinny, and Distant Thunder showcased his versatility in portraying youthful characters.
Today, at 61 years old, Macchio continues to captivate audiences in Netflix’s Cobra Kai, reprising his role as Daniel LaRusso in this highly acclaimed spinoff series. His enduring appeal and talent are a testament to his lasting impact on the world of entertainment.