Rob Garrison facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rob Garrison
Garrison as Tommy in Cobra Kai
Born	(1960 -01-23)January 23, 1960 Wheeling, West Virginia, U.S.
Died	September 27, 2019(2019-09-27) (aged 59) Wheeling, West Virginia, U.S.
Alma mater	Ohio University
Years active	1977–2019
Known for	The Karate Kid Cobra Kai

Robert Scott Garrison (born January 23, 1960 – died September 27, 2019) was an American actor. He was best known for playing the character Tommy. He played Tommy in the famous 1984 movie The Karate Kid. He also appeared as Tommy in the TV show Cobra Kai. This show is a continuation of The Karate Kid story.

Garrison began acting in the 1970s. He continued acting through the 1980s and 1990s. Some of his movies include Brubaker (1980) and Iron Eagle (1986). He also appeared in TV shows like Coach and MacGyver.

About Rob Garrison

Rob Garrison was born on January 23, 1960. He grew up in Wheeling, West Virginia. He first started acting when he was in high school. He attended Wheeling Park High School. Before graduating in 1978, he had a small role in the movie Starship Invasions (1977).

After high school, Rob studied theater. He went to Ohio University on a full scholarship. In 1980, he appeared in the movie Brubaker. This film starred Robert Redford. Rob played a small part as a convict.

Playing Tommy in The Karate Kid

After college, Rob Garrison got a big role. He was cast as Tommy in The Karate Kid (1984). Interestingly, he and William Zabka both tried out for the role of Johnny. Tommy is famous for a line he says during the final fight scene. He shouts, "Get him a body bag, yeah!" This line became very memorable.

Rob later shared a secret about this line. He said he didn't say it during filming. He added it later in a recording studio. The director, John Avildsen, needed a short sound. Rob quickly said the line. The director immediately knew it would be a classic.

Later Acting Roles

Rob Garrison continued his acting career. He appeared in films like The Karate Kid Part II (1986). He also had a role in Iron Eagle (1986). On television, he was seen in shows such as St. Elsewhere and Kung Fu: The Legend Continues.

Later in his life, acting was not his main job. He worked as a restaurant manager. However, he still took on acting projects. He was in the 2007 music video Sweep the Leg. This video made fun of The Karate Kid. He also acted in the movie The Pledge (2011). His last acting role was in the short film The Static (2016).

Return to Cobra Kai

Rob Garrison stayed in touch with his fans online. In 2019, he returned to play Tommy again. This was for the second season of the Netflix web series Cobra Kai. It was his final acting performance. He continued to act in local theater plays in Wheeling.

Rob Garrison passed away on September 27, 2019. He was 59 years old.

Filmography