Graduated in 1979 from Half Hollow Hills West High School.

When Joel Siegel first did a review for The Karate Kid (1984), he pronounced his name "MA-Key-O" instead of "Ma-chee-o". The latter pronunciation was the way Ralph Macchio pronounced his name, but the former is the proper Italian pronunciation. Siegel was called in at 4:00am the day of his review's airing to correct the pronunciation. He later expressed annoyance at being called in at 4:00am in the morning because Macchio "didn't know how to pronounce his own name."

Born in the same Long Island town as superstar Mariah Carey.

During Pat Morita's funeral procession, his former co-star of The Karate Kid (1984), Ralph quoted, "Forever, my Sensei" towards the mourners.

His career started back in the late 70s doing commercials for Bubble Yum and Dr. Pepper.

In his movie "Crossroads," Macchio has a final "cutting-heads" guitar showdown with a demonic rock guitarist, played by real life guitar hero Steve Vai. Both Macchio and Vai were born and raised on Long Island.

Was #80 in VH1's 100 Greatest Teen Stars.

Is a big fan of songwriter/singer Bruce Springsteen.

Listed as one of twelve "Promising New Actors of 1984" in John Willis' Screen World, Vol. 36.

Daughter, Julia, born in 1992, son, Daniel, in 1996.

Once saved a baby porpoise that was beached on the shores of Malibu. When reporters tried to cover the story, he asked to remain anonymous.