Karate Kid actor dies at 59

The Karate Kid actor Rob Garrison has died at 59.

The actor, best known for his role as Tommy in the smash hit film and its sequel passed away after an extended health battle.

“Rob was a great person and ambassador to ‘The Karate Kid’ legacy,” his rep said in a statement to Yahoo. “His performance in Season 2 of ‘Cobra Kai,’ being his last, was simply amazing and he stole the episode. He will be missed by me and everyone he encountered.”

Garrison’s sister-in-law told TMZ that he died Friday at a hospital in his native West Virginia, where he had been treated for liver and kidney issues over the past month.

Garrison has acted since the late ‘70s, playing parts in both horror film Prom Night and the drama Brubaker, alongside Robert Redford in 1980.

He went on to appear in the 1986 movie Iron Eagle and TV shows including MacGyver and Coach.

But it was Karate Kid for which he was most recognized. His character was a bully of the hero Daniel (played by Ralph Macchio).

Garrison reprised his role in “The Karate Kid Part II” in 1986 and, in April, when an episode of the “Karate Kid” reboot “Cobra Kai” featured several of Johnny’s old friends.

The experience meant a lot to Garrison.

Following the actor’s death, fans a colleagues alike took to Twitter to commemorate the actor.

Garrison is survived by his brother, Patrick, and his wife, Linda.

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