Among the many classic movies of the 80s who spent their time, The Karate Kid of 1984 stands out with certainty. It’s an incredibly believable icon that continues to flourish more than 30 years after its release in the highly successful Cobra Kai series of YouTube. It’s a sad day for Karate Kid fans as Robert Garrison, the Cobra team player Kai Karate, known as Tommy, died at the age of 59.
Robert Garrison died Friday morning in a hospital in West Virginia after suffering from kidney and liver problems for over a month. His death was caused by the closure of an organ, Garrison’s sister, TMZ, told TMZ. Funeral arrangements are ongoing with her family.
Garrison began his career in Hollywood as a child actor in the late 1970s, when he appeared in such films as Lost and Found and Prom Night with Fairy Queen Jamie Lee Curtis, before landing his role on most famous in the movie Karate Kid, at age 24, Cobra Kai. Character speaks the famous line “Get him a mortuary bag! Yeah!” During the exciting sequence of the film during the finale.
The actor reiterated his role as Tommy for The Karate Kid Part II in 1986 before appearing on various television shows such as MacGyver, Columbo and Coach as a guest star. He also played a role in the 1986 action thriller Iron Eagle. Garrison’s contributions to film and television have been sparse over the last 20 years, returning to the second season of Cobra Kai earlier this year.
Writer / director Cobra Kai, Jon Hurwitz, congratulated Robert Garrison after the announcement of his death with the following message in social media:
At least Cobra Kai’s members had a good time together before he died. Hurwitz Suite on Twitter shares memories of Robert Garrison on the set, including the gang drinking beer and telling stories, and the deceased actor talking about his passing on Iron Eagle.
Our entire Karate Kid/Cobra Kai family is devastated by the news of OG Cobra Rob Garrison's passing. He was a truly gifted performer and an even better man. My heart goes out to Rob's family during this difficult time. #RIP pic.twitter.com/aDiXcQ5ROu
— Jon Hurwitz (@jonhurwitz) September 27, 2019
Hurwitz also revealed plans for Robert Garrison’s return in the third season, although it is unclear whether this has already been filmed or is underway. Perhaps a tribute reminds him that Cobra Kai will return next year.