Rob Garrison, ‘Karate Kid’ Actor, Dead at 59

Rob Garrison, best known for his work as part of the “Karate Kid” franchise has died, his representative confirmed to CNN.

He was 59.

“Rob was a great person and ambassador to ‘The Karate Kid’ legacy,” Rick Henriques, Garrison’s rep, said in a statement to CNN. “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 family told TMZ on Sept. 27 that he died at a hospital in West Virginia. His sister said that he had been in the hospital for the past month, suffering from kidney and liver problems, and she added that his organs shut down.

His cause of death was not revealed.

Garrison’s last tweet came on April 25, thanking people for their comments on his appearance in the internet series “Cobra Kai.”

Thanks everyone for your wonderful comments on my appearance in COBRA KAI. Makes me feel great. Had a wonderful time doing it.

— Rob Garrison (@therobgarrison) April 25, 2019

Thanks to everyone who came to The Steel City Comic Con this past weekend. It was great meeting you ALL! Great time. We have such great fans and followers. Season two of Cobra Kai starts filming in a few weeks!

— Rob Garrison (@therobgarrison) August 16, 2018

Garrison portrayed the character of Tommy in the 1984 film “The Karate Kid,” the 1986 sequel “The Karate Kid Part II” and most recently in the YouTube Originals series “Cobra Kai,” which picked up on the lives of characters from the film franchise after they became adults.

Born in Wheeling, West Virginia, Garrison’s first credited acting role was in the 1977 science fiction film, “Starship Invasions.”

Over the years he also appeared in films “Brubaker” and “Iron Eagle” and numerous TV series, including “St. Elsewhere,” “MacGyver,” “Columbo” and “Coach.”