Watch LI's Ralph Macchio On 'The Drew Barrymore Show'

HUNTINGTON, NY — Huntington native Ralph Macchio appeared on "The Drew Barrymore Show" in an episode released Thursday.

"The Karate Kid" actor discussed a memoir he wrote, "Waxing On: The Karate Kid and Me," as well as the impact the franchise has had on his life.

Macchio recalled going to a sneak preview of "The Karate Kid" with his now-wife while having not seen the film yet. He starred as Daniel LaRusso, a character he would become synonymous with.

"I'm in the back of this movie theater watching this movie a month before it comes out, and it was just in concert, it was a love affair between the audience and what was happening on the screen," Macchio said. "They were rooting and cheering and crying and jeering, and whatever emotion was going on, it felt like they knew this kid. They cared so much for this kid, and there was this moment where I was like, 'I'm this kid. This is crazy out of body.' It's been that ever since. It's really quite incredible."

"I know, there's such goodwill with LaRusso, you know?" Barrymore responded.

Macchio is best known for "The Karate Kid" franchise. He reprised the role with the 2018 release of "Cobra Kai." His acting career officially began in 1980 when he appeared as Chooch in "Up the Academy."