This well-known and beloved actor died on Friday, shocking Karate Kid fans and leaving many wondering what will happen with his character on the YouTube Premium show Cobra Kai, after his appearance in 2019.
The news of his passing was posted on Facebook by his sister-in-law following his struggles with liver and kidney disease.
Robert Garrison, 59, portrayed Tommy in the Karate Kid franchise. The character was a Cobra Kai team member in the 80’s, a close friend of Johnny’s and a rival of Daniel. His most memorable line from the first film is when he calls out “get him a body bag!”
Robert Garrison is likely most well-known for the role of Tommy in the Karate Kid franchise. He portrayed the character in the first and second films, and also reprised the role in a cameo in 2019 on the sequel series Cobra Kai. Thankfully, he was able to record his cameo before his health issues began.
The actor started his career in the late 70’s, acting in Starship Invasions and Search and Destroy. He also had roles in the early 80’s ranging from Prom Night to Brubaker, before his roles in Karate Kid in the mid-80’s. Prior to returning to the Karate Kid franchise in 2019, Garrison’s last major film role was in 2011, in a film called The Pledge.
Following his return to Cobra Kai, fans took time to remark on how great it was to see the actor return to the role. “Thanks everyone for your wonderful comments on my appearance in COBRA KAI. Makes me feel great. Had a wonderful time doing it,” Garrison tweeted after the outpouring of fan support.
Garrison’s sister-in-law, Linda, shared the news of his passing on Facebook early Friday morning. The actor was in a West Virginia hospital, being treated for problems with his kidneys and liver that had been ongoing for about a month.
His exact cause of death was not stated, though it was likely related to his liver or kidney issues. The actor is survived by his brother, Patrick, and Patrick’s wife, Linda. Numerous fans paid respects to his life and his work online following the news of his passing.
