Handsomely featured, Italian-American actor with boyish looks that initially assisted his career, but in more recent years have probably restricted his opportunities at getting stronger, dramatic roles. Started out in various TV commercials in the late 1970's before appearing in the puerile comedy movie Up the Academy, then a regular role in 1980 on the TV series Eight Is Enough followed by a decent performance as teenager "Johhny Cade" in the The Outsiders based on the popular S.E. Hinton novel about troubled youth.

In 1984, Macchio scored the lead role in the The Karate Kid directed by Rocky director John G. Avildsen. The film was a phenomenal success, being highly popular with adults and children alike. The movie spawned two equally popular sequels _Karate Kid Part II, The (1986)_ and _Karate Kid Part III, The (1989)_ , both again starring Macchio and Pat Morita, and both directed by Avildsen.

Macchio also starred in the blues road movie Crossroads, featured alongside Joe Pesci in My Cousin Vinny and, looking to toughen up his image, Macchio played a hit man in A Good Night to Die. Arguably, movie audiences still identify Macchio very strongly with his "Karate Kid" role, but as his features have gained a more weathered, adult edge, he has found opportunities and positive reviews from appearances in stage productions showcasing his acting talent. It would be great to see this versatile actor score some broader and more challenging film roles.
Listed as one of twelve "Promising New Actors of 1984" in John Willis' Screen World, Vol. 36. Graduated in 1979 from Half Hollow Hills West High School. His career started back in the late 70s doing commercials for Bubble Yum and Dr. Pepper. When Joel Siegel first did a review for The Karate Kid, he pronounced his name "MA-Key-O" instead of "Ma-chee-o". The latter pronunciation was the way Ralph Macchio pronounced his name, but the former is the proper Italian pronunciation. Siegel was called in at 4:00am the day of his review's airing to correct the pronunciation. He later expressed annoyance at being called in at 4:00am in the morning because Macchio "didn't know how to pronounce his own name." Daughter, Julia, born in 1992, son, Daniel, in 1996. Is a big fan of songwriter/singer Bruce Springsteen. Born in the same Long Island town as superstar Mariah Carey. Once saved a baby porpoise that was beached on the shores of Malibu. When reporters tried to cover the story, he asked to remain anonymous.