‘Karate Kid’ star Ralph Macchio credits Hollywood secret that keeps him grounded

Ralph Macchio, who was honored for his animal welfare work at NYC Second Chance Rescue’s 6th Annual Rescue Ball, describes the simple philosophy that has kept him afloat in Hollywood for decades.

The “Karate Kid” star, who became a household name as Daniel LaRusso, shared how he avoids the pitfalls of the industry while maintaining the same energy that has amazed young fans for years.

“As a combination of my own sensibilities, I give credit to my family when I was little, and now to my wife and children,” Macchio told Fox News Digital exclusively on the Rescue Ball red carpet. “I’ve always kept one foot in, one foot out, keeping balance, there’s a Miyagi-ism for you, if you’re a ‘Karate Kid’ fan… I’m doing the best I can.”

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This grounded approach, he added, is key to staying consistent in an industry where burnout is common.

The actor was honored with the Angel and Hero Award at NYC Second Chance Rescue’s 6th Annual Rescue Ball held at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers in New York City for his support of animal welfare efforts.

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When it comes to her seemingly ageless appearance, Macchio doesn’t claim any Hollywood secrets.

“Oh, I don’t know about that. Maybe we should move the camera back a little bit,” he joked. “Try to live a healthy life and not always succeed, but here we are. Once again, I will blame my parents for my youthful appearance.”

Cobra Kai co-creator Ralph Macchio attends Newport Beach TV FEST Saturday at the Lido Theater on June 7, 2025 in Newport Beach, California. (Tiffany Rose/Getty Images)

Decades after “The Karate Kid” first hit theaters, Macchio said there’s a reason the story continues to resonate.

“Because it worked on a human level… this character had no right to win anything,” he said. “It was wish fulfillment and inspirational entertainment, and it worked. Every kid wants someone to mentor them through adversity, good versus evil, all those elements.”

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This enduring appeal helped fuel the success of “Cobra Kai,” which introduced Macchio to a new generation of fans.

Pat Morita and Ralph Macchio appear in a scene from the 1984 movie “The Karate Kid.” (Colombia Images/Getty Images)

Macchio is also known for making comebacks off-screen.

Macchio, who was among the award winners of the night, said that this recognition affected him very closely, especially as his involvement in animal rescue efforts increased through his family.

“My family gets the credit,” he said. “If you had asked me 10 years ago if I would be honored to rescue dogs, I would have said, ‘I’m not so sure I’m your man.’ … but my family started going to Kent [Animal] Shelter on Long Island. “When they saw these neglected animals… they greeted me.”

“The Parent Trap” star Elaine Hendrix said this lifestyle change helped her “age backwards.” (BFA / Kevin Czopek)

NYC Second Chance Rescue’s 6th Annual Rescue Ball event highlighted a wide variety of honorees and supporters in the animal welfare field; among them Rob and Marisol Thomas, founders of the Sidewalk Angels Foundation, and Dr. Tom Walker is featured; all of these individuals received the Angel and Hero Award for their commitment to animal welfare. Special guests Georgina Bloomberg and Elaine Hendrix also attended the star-studded night.

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“The Parent Trap” star Hendrix also praised her approach to wellness, citing her Hollywood lifestyle change and advocacy work.

“Being vegan in both diet and lifestyle,” Hendrix said. “People always say, ‘You’re aging backwards.’ And I say, ‘It’s because I approach my whole life with great compassion and thoughtfulness.’ That’s why I say go vegan.”

She also reflected on what sparked her long-term commitment to animal rescue.

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“I looked online and saw an undercover fur video,” he said. “This was so shocking to me that it completely changed my life. And from that moment on, I have been working on behalf of animals all over the world.”

The mission behind the gala was front and center for organizers, who said the need for support has never been greater.

Jennifer Brooks, founder of Second Chance Rescue NYC, speaks at a fundraiser. (BFA / Kevin Czopek)

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“I also want everyone to know what’s going on in the animal world. There’s a lot of issues going on right now with overpopulation and breeding,” Jennifer Brooks, founder of NYC Second Chance Rescue, told Fox News Digital.

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Brooks also emphasized the importance of honoring people and their impact on the cause.

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“There are really passionate people here like Elaine Hendrix. She’s not just a star, she’s truly an animal warrior. She walks the walk and talks the talk. She always stands up for the cause. So, people who really care deeply and give their all to the cause,” he said.

Bringing together celebrities, advocates and donors, the event has supported efforts to rescue and rehome at-risk animals with more than 17,000 life-saving organizations since its founding.