Ralph George Macchio (born November 4, 1961) is an American actor with Italian ancestry. He is best remembered for his role as Daniel LaRusso in the Karate Kid series. Macchio and his family currently reside in Miller Place, New York.

Born in Huntington, Long Island, New York, Macchio attended Half Hollow Hills High School West.

Ralph Macchio is an American comic book editor and writer. He is commonly associated with the Spider-Man comics. He began his association with Marvel Comics in the 1970s and from early on was associated with the Dazzler comic between 1981 and 1982. From 1984 through 1995, Macchio was the editor for Daredevil. He also wrote script for the comic book version of The Sword of Solomon Kane. Macchio is not related to the actor Ralph Macchio, but is nicknamed "Karate Kid" after that actor's famous role.

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 1970s before appearing in the puerile comedy movie Up the Academy (1980), then a regular role in 1980 on the TV series "Eight Is Enough" (1977) followed by a decent performance as teenager "Johhny Cade" in the Outsiders, The (1983) based on the popular S.E. Hinton novel about troubled youth. In 1984, Macchio scored the lead role in the Karate Kid, The (1984) directed by Rocky (1976) 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 (1986), featured alongside Joe Pesci in My Cousin Vinny (1992) and, looking to toughen up his image, Macchio played a hit man in Good Night to Die, A (2003). 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.