Rob Garrison, best known for his role in the popular Karate Kid franchise and the recent Cobra Kai spin-off TV series, has died aged 59.
A representative for the actor confirmed the news to CNN.
Garrison played the character of Tommy in the 1984 film The Karate Kid and its 1986 sequel The Karate Kid Part II.
He reprised the role in the YouTube Originals TV series Cobra Kai, which picked up on the lives of the characters thirty years on from the events of the films.
Garrison's rep said in a statement: "Rob was a great person and ambassador to The Karate Kid legacy.
"His performance in Season 2 of Cobra Kai, being his last, was simply amazing and he stole the episode. He will be missed by me and everyone he encountered."
Cobra Kai also starred original Karate Kid cast members Ralph Macchio, who played Daniel La Russo, and William Zabka, who played La Russo's arch rival Johnny Lawrence.
It was written and produced by Jon Hurwitz, who shared his devastation at the news of Garrison's passing on Twitter.
He wrote: "Our entire Karate Kid/Cobra Kai family is devastated by the news of OG Cobra Rob Garrison's passing. He was a truly gifted performer and an even better man. My heart goes out to Rob's family during this difficult time."
Our entire Karate Kid/Cobra Kai family is devastated by the news of OG Cobra Rob Garrison's passing. He was a truly gifted performer and an even better man. My heart goes out to Rob's family during this difficult time. #RIP pic.twitter.com/aDiXcQ5ROu
— Jon Hurwitz (@jonhurwitz) September 27, 2019
Macchio also paid tribute on social media, writing: "Rob Garrison was a kind gentleman from the 1st day I met him to the last day we spoke.
"I am so glad he had the opportunity to show his range & genuine heart w/his performance last season on Cobra Kai. His campfire scene was of my favs of Season 2. RIP my friend. U will b missed."
Rob Garrison was a kind gentleman from the 1st day I met him to the last day we spoke. I am so glad he had the opportunity to show his range & genuine heart w/his performance last season on Cobra Kai. His campfire scene was of my favs of Season 2. RIP my friend. U will b missed. pic.twitter.com/a0NsqlVuIl
— Ralph Macchio (@ralphmacchio) September 28, 2019
Born in West Virginia, Garrison's first credited acting role was in the 1977 science fiction film Starship Invasions.
He has also had roles in the television shows Coach, St Elsewhere, and MacGyver and the films Brubaker and Iron Eagle.
