Rob Garrison, the actor known for playing Tommy in The Karate Kid, has died, ET confirms. He was 59.
A representative for Garrison tells ET that the actor “was a great person and ambassador to The Karate Kid legacy. His performance in season two of Cobra Kai, being his last, was simply amazing and he stole the episode. He will be missed by me and everyone he encountered.”
His rep also tells ET that, per Garrison’s family, he died Friday morning at a hospital in West Virginia. His passing wasn’t sudden. He had been in the hospital for over a month dealing with kidney and liver issues, and his organs shut down. The family is currently working on funeral arrangements. TMZ, was first to report the news.
Garrison began his acting career in 1977, with a role in Starship Invasions. He then landed the role of Tommy in the 1984 John G. Avildsen-directed film, The Karate Kid, and reprised his role in its sequel, The Karate Kid Part II.
He acted on-and-off over the years, with parts in series like The Munsters Today, Columbo, Coach, MacGyver and Homefront. His last credit was this year, when he once again portrayed Tommy in the Cobra Kai series.
In April, he tweeted about his appearance on the series, thanking his fans for their support.
“Thanks everyone for your wonderful comments on my appearance in COBRA KAI. Makes me feel great. Had a wonderful time doing it,” he wrote.
9 PHOTOSTwitter reacts to death of Rob GarrisonSee GalleryTwitter reacts to death of Rob Garrison
Rest in peace Rob Garrison. Cobra Kai never dies ? https://t.co/4QN2EvXNpX
Our entire Karate Kid/Cobra Kai family is devastated by the news of OG Cobra Rob Garrison’s passing. He was a truly… https://t.co/6BFuGCg5PJ
Rob Garrison, o Tommy de Karate Kid, morre aos 59 anoshttps://t.co/BdwJWxRJjf https://t.co/gSHRPQ7qT6
RIP Rob Garrison aka Tommy from Cobra Kai.? “Get him a body bag!!” -Karate Kid 1984 https://t.co/fnjE9tDSHl
A fond Farewell to Rob Garrison, a true Cobra Kai. Said of anyone else in the wake of their passing this would be a… https://t.co/IcVBQgEnLB
Sad day for OG Karate Kid fans. Rob Garrison, known as “Tommy” in The Karate Kid franchise as well as the new Cobra… https://t.co/8JV2lhczpo
Very sorry to hear this news Jon. That episode was an absolute gem on last years season. Rob is a huge part of anyo… https://t.co/d3N0YipcFa
Ach no ! RIP Rob Garrison.So much lasting pop culture from ‘Tommy’.#CobraKai
ROB GARRISON ‘KARATE KID’ ACTOR DEAD AT 59 https://t.co/Hv1rSWzpFE https://t.co/1nJJqY4wrOUp Next
See Gallery
Source: Read Full Article