It was not until 1984 that Macchio became known internationally following the release of the first Karate Kid movie. He continued this success with the film's sequels, Karate Kid Part II and III. With his boyish looks, Macchio became one of the most famous teen idols of the mid-1980s, his face appearing on the cover of many teen "bubble gum" magazines such as Tiger Beat, 16, and Teen Beat.
In 1992, Macchio starred opposite Joe Pesci and Marisa Tomei in the hit comedy, My Cousin Vinny, playing the part of "Billy Gambini", who was wrongly accused of murder while passing through a small Alabama town. It was the first significant adult role of his career. He appeared in the 1986 film, Crossroads, portraying music student "Eugene Martone", who battles "Jack Butler" (played by guitarist Steve Vai), a protégé of the Devil.
Since the mid-1990s, Macchio's film appearances have been occasional cameo- or supporting roles, notably and recently A Good Night to Die and Beer League. In 2005, Macchio played himself in the HBO series, Entourage.
On May 1, 2007, Macchio played himself in an episode of the Starz series, "Head Case". In 2008, he appeared in a VitaminWater commercial that featured NASCAR driver Carl Edwards. Macchio was depicted as Edwards' "spiritual advisor", and dressed in his "Karate Kid" clothes. In October 2008, he appeared in two episodes of the ABC Network television series, "Ugly Betty", as "Archie Rodriguez", a local politician. He has since had a semi-regular role as Hilda's love interest on the show. Macchio is ranked #80 on VH1's 100 Greatest Teen Stars.
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