Robert Garrison Karate Kid: Profile of the Actor and His Role

Who Is Robert Garrison and Why He Matters to The Karate Kid

Robert Garrison is the actor who played Tommy, a supportive friend of Daniel LaRusso, in the 1984 film The Karate Kid. His performance contributes to the movie’s themes of loyalty and standing up to bullying, while adding authenticity to the high school social dynamics of the story. This evergreen profile focuses on verifiable details about Garrison’s involvement in the film, his career background, and reliable information available in public records, avoiding speculation or unconfirmed anecdotes.

Robert Garrison Role in The Karate Kid

In The Karate Kid, Robert Garrison appears as Tommy, a fellow student at Reseda High School who befriends Daniel LaRusso. Tommy’s presence reinforces the film’s exploration of peer support and personal growth. Though not a central character, his interactions in key scenes—such as the Halloween party and the school corridor moments—help illustrate Daniel’s isolation and eventual integration. These moments are crafted to build empathy for Daniel while showcasing different responses to the school’s social hierarchy.

Key Facts and Credits

Background and Career Context

Robert Garrison’s career includes roles in film and television spanning the 1980s and 1990s. His work in The Karate Kid represents one of his more visible acting credits, though he has appeared in other projects that reflect his range as a performer. Understanding his body of work helps place The Karate Kid contribution in context rather than treating it as an isolated highlight. Available sources indicate he participated in varied roles that allowed him to develop his skills over time.

Notable Projects and Collaborations

• The Karate Kid (1984) — Supporting role as Tommy
• Fletch (1985) — Appears in a comedic role
• Television guest appearances in the 1980s and 1990s
• Stage and regional theater work, when documented

Public Record and Verified Information

Information about Robert Garrison is drawn from publicly available records such as film databases, industry directories, and credit listings. In the absence of authoritative interviews or archival materials, it is important to rely on sources that can be corroborated. This approach ensures that facts related to his credits, timeline, and roles remain accurate and traceable, reducing the risk of spreading unverified claims.

Commonly Cited Details and Their Reliability

How The Karate Kid Uses Supporting Characters

Supporting characters like Tommy help create a realistic high school environment in The Karate Kid. Through interactions with Tommy and others, Daniel’s journey from outsider to someone who earns respect feels grounded. These roles also highlight themes such as peer pressure, friendship, and resilience. By examining how Tommy contributes in key scenes, viewers can better understand the narrative structure and emotional arc that made the film resonate with audiences.

Scene Examples Involving Tommy

• Halloween party scene — Engages with Daniel and establishes casual friendship.
• Hallway interactions — Signal shifting social dynamics at Reseda High.
• Tournament support — Offers encouragement, reinforcing community within the story.

Legacy and Cultural Relevance

The Karate Kid remains influential in popular culture, and supporting performances like Robert Garrison add texture to its world. While the film’s main characters often receive the most attention, the ensemble cast—including Garrison—plays a role in the movie’s enduring appeal. Reliable sources and consistent documentation help maintain clarity about contributions like his, especially when details are sparse.

The Karate Kid Cast Influence at a Glance