Ralph Macchio coming to Cinema Arts Centre for 'The Karate Kid'

Ralph Macchio is getting back to his hometown and cinematic roots.

The actor, who was born in Huntington and grew up in Dix Hills, will be visiting the Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington on May 13 for a special screening of "The Karate Kid," the 1984 movie hit that made him a star. The theater posted the event's announcement on its Instagram account Thursday along with a photo of Macchio.

After the film, Cinema Arts Centre staff member Josh Suarez will interview Macchio, who will share stories about the making of "The Karate Kid." Macchio will also talk about his career, which includes the 1992 movie comedy "My Cousin Vinny" and the series "Cobra Kai" (2018-25), in which he reprised the role of Daniel LaRusso from "The Karate Kid" and several of its movie sequels. The audience will then get to participate in a Q&A with Macchio.

The movie is the ultimate underdog-turned-champion story as Macchio's character ultimately battles fighters from the Cobra Kai dojo at a local tournament after learning karate and discipline under the tutelage of Mr. Miyagi, played by Pat Morita.

The event will begin at 7 p.m. and tickets are $60. To reserve, go to cinemaartscentre.org.

Macchio, 64, lives on Long Island and has made many regional appearances over the years. In November, he served as the host of the sixth annual Huntington Holiday Spectacular's tree lighting ceremony. 

In September 2022, he appeared with Susan Lucci in "Celebrity Auobiography," the live show of "dramatic" readings from stars' memoirs, at Tilles Center in Brookville.

Macchio, of course, wrote "Waxing On: The Karate Kid and Me" (2022), which he talked about during an appearance at Molloy University's Madison Theatre in Rockville Centre that fall. While promoting the memoir, he spoke to Newsday and commented on why he still lives on Long Island.

"Despite the traffic and the stupid taxes and the insanity, it’s home," he said. "I love New York City, I love Long Island. My parents are still there and my wife’s mom is still with us. It’s my roots."