Martin Kove Biography: Martin Kove born in 1947 or 1948) is an American actor and martial artist, best known for his portrayal of John Kreese, the primary antagonist in The Karate Kid (1984). He reprised this iconic role in The Karate Kid Part II (1986), The Karate Kid Part III (1989), and the television series Cobra Kai (2018–2025). Kove also appeared on the television series Cagney & Lacey (1981) as the honest Police Detective Isbecki, and later faced off against Sylvester Stallone’s character in Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985). His most prominent role came in the blockbuster The Karate Kid (1984), where he portrayed John Kreese, the fierce head instructor of the Cobra Kai karate dojo.
Martin Kove Biography
He has portrayed a wide range of characters, from heroes to villains. He began his career with several minor roles before gaining attention as the villainous Nero the Hero in the cult classic Death Race 2000 (1975), followed by his role as Clem, the ruthless rigger who breaks Jan-Michael Vincent’s ribs in White Line Fever (1975).
Martin Kove Biography 2025 Details
| Born | 1947/1948 (age 77–78)
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
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| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1971–present |
| Spouse | Vivienne Love (m. 1981; div. 2005) |
| Children | 2 |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Martin Kove
Martin Kove is an American actor and martial artist. He is best known for his role as John Kreese, the main antagonist of The Karate Kid. Kove reprised the role in The Karate Kid Part II, The Karate Kid Part III, and the television series Cobra Kai.
Martin Kove Achievements
Kove also appeared as Nero the Hero in Death Race 2000 (1975) and played Clem in White Line Fever (1975). He was a series regular on Cagney and Lacey (1982–1988), where he portrayed Police Detective Victor Isbecki. His other notable film appearances include Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985) and Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019).
Martin Kove Wiki
- Born: 6 March 1947 (age 78 years), Brooklyn, New York, United States
- Children: Jesse Kove, Rachel Olivia Kove
- Spouse: Vivienne Kove (m. 1981–2005)
- Height: 1.85 m
Early Life and Background
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Martin Kove grew up in a Jewish family and developed a strong interest in martial arts from a young age. This early passion influenced his future on-screen persona, particularly in action-oriented roles. After graduating from Valley Stream Central High School, he continued his education at ITT Technical Institute – Maumee Campus.
Martin Kove – Key Details
- Full Name: Martin Kove
- Date of Birth: March 6, 1946
- Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York, USA
- Nationality: American
- Children: Two, including actor Jesse Kove
- Net Worth: Approximately $2 million, primarily earned through acting
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough
Kove began his acting career in the early 1970s, taking on minor roles in films and television. His early appearances included Little Murders (1971) and The Last House on the Left (1972). He gained wider recognition with his role as Nero the Hero in Death Race 2000 (1975). His big break came in 1984 when he was cast as John Kreese, the ruthless Cobra Kai sensei, in The Karate Kid. This role became iconic and was reprised in the film’s sequels (The Karate Kid Part II and Part III) and later in the hit Netflix series Cobra Kai, which revitalized the franchise and introduced it to a new generation.
Notable Work and Achievements
In addition to his legendary role in The Karate Kid series, Kove has had a prolific acting career. He portrayed Clem in White Line Fever (1975) and Ericson in Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985). On television, he is well known for playing Detective Victor Isbecki in the long-running series Cagney & Lacey (1982–1988). He has also guest-starred in popular shows such as The Rockford Files, Gunsmoke, and Criminal Minds. Kove’s portrayal of John Kreese has become a cultural touchstone. His return to the role in Cobra Kai has been lauded for adding nuance and depth to a character once viewed as a one-note villain, demonstrating Kove’s versatility as an actor.
Recent Projects and Current Relevance
As of early 2025, Martin Kove remains active in the entertainment industry. He is set to appear in the upcoming film Boris Is Dead and continues to participate in various projects, including voice work for video games and roles in film and television. He is also a frequent guest at fan conventions, where his portrayal of John Kreese continues to captivate audiences. Thanks to Cobra Kai, Kove’s legacy has been revitalized, with his character now seen as more layered and complex. This ongoing role has reaffirmed his place in pop culture and showcased his lasting talent.
Personal Life and Relationships
Martin Kove has generally kept his personal life out of the public spotlight. He was married to Vivienne Love in 1981, and the couple had two children before divorcing in 2005. One of their children, Jesse Kove, has followed in his father’s footsteps and pursued a career in acting. Jesse has appeared in films such as A Cops and Robbers Story and The Last Hit Man, and even joined his father on-screen in Cobra Kai. Since his divorce, Kove has remained largely private and has not been publicly linked to any significant romantic relationships. His focus has remained on his family and career.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Martin Kove holds a black belt in karate, a skill that played a key role in securing his iconic role as John Kreese.
- His son, Jesse Kove, has acted alongside him in Cobra Kai, continuing the family legacy in entertainment.
- Over his career, Kove has appeared in more than 60 film and television productions, making him a recognizable figure in action, crime, and drama genres.
- Beyond acting, he has a creative side, with interests in painting and photography.
- Though often cast as a villain, Kove enjoys portraying layered, complex characters — a quality showcased in his nuanced performance in Cobra Kai.
Charitable Work and Legacy
While Martin Kove isn’t widely known for publicizing his philanthropic efforts, he has supported various charitable events and causes, particularly those related to childhood education and cancer research. He frequently participates in fan conventions, where a portion of proceeds often goes to charity.
Kove’s legacy in film and television is firmly rooted in his portrayal of John Kreese — one of the most iconic characters in martial arts cinema. His intense and disciplined interpretation of the Cobra Kai sensei left a strong impression on generations of fans, and his recent return to the role has added new emotional depth and complexity.
Future Plans and Cultural Impact
Martin Kove remains active in the entertainment industry with several upcoming projects in film and television. Thanks to the success of Cobra Kai, he has reintroduced his character to a new generation, cementing his status as a cultural icon. His performance as John Kreese, once viewed purely as a villain, has evolved to portray a more complex and humanized figure. This transformation has not only revitalized his career but also highlighted his range as an actor. As the Cobra Kai series continues, fans look forward to how the character’s story will unfold — ensuring Kove’s continued influence in Hollywood and pop culture.
Martin Kove Net Worth 2025
As of 2025, Martin Kove’s estimated net worth is around $2 million. This wealth stems primarily from his long-running acting career across film, television, and voice work. His portrayal of John Kreese in The Karate Kid franchise and its revival series Cobra Kai has been a major contributor to his financial success. In addition to his acting roles, Kove also earns income from fan conventions and public appearances, where his iconic character continues to resonate with audiences. Despite his success, Kove is known to lead a modest lifestyle and has not made headlines for lavish spending.
FAQs
How much did Martin Kove make for Cobra Kai?
Pretty much all of Cobra Kai’s budget goes into the actors. Ralph Macchio makes around 200k PER EPISODE. Martin Kove made 175k per episode – which totaled into 2 million for just one season. Xolo Maridueña makes a reported 70k per episode, it’s estimated the same would be true for Tanner Buchanan.
Is Martin Kove a real martial artist?
Yes, Martin Kove is a real martial artist. He has studied Okinawa-te karate under Gordon Doversola Shihan and also trained with Shihan Tak Kubota and stunt coordinator Pat Johnson for “The Karate Kid”. He holds black belts in Kendo, Okinawa-te, and Tiger Kenpo, according to IMDb.
Does Martin Kove have a black belt?
Martin Kove. Has black belts in all of the following martial arts: Kendo, Okinawa-te, and Tiger Kenpo. Injured his hand during the fateful fight scene between his character, John Kreese, and Mr. Miyagi in “Karate Kid Part III The Karate Kid Part II (1986).
Did Martin Kove actually know karate?
Kove studied Okinawa-te karate under prominent black belt Gordon Doversola Shihan. Kove appeared in the 2007 music video for the song “Sweep the Leg” by No More Kings as a caricature of himself and John Kreese from The Karate Kid.