Who Is Sid From ‘Karate Kid’ Revival ‘Cobra Kai’?

YouTube Red’s new Karate Kid revival Cobra Kai does so many things well. From the macro — like judiciously using nostalgia to enhance its story — to the micro, like having mini “wax on/wax off” graphics appear at the bottom of your screen when you pause an episode. It’s an A to Z treat that you should watch immediately.

Fans who’ve already enjoyed the first two episodes (which are streaming for free on YouTube Red) have been flocking to Google to answer one pressing question: Who is Sid from the Karate Kid revival? Turns out, the actor is a Hollywood legend who you’ve absolutely seen on both the small and big screen.

Who portrays Sid on Cobra Kai? Here’s everything you need to know about the iconic actor behind the role.

WHO IS SID FROM THE KARATE KID REVIVAL COBRA KAI?

The character of Sid Weinberg is portrayed by legendary actor Ed Asner. He plays Johnny Lawrence’s stepfather on Cobra Kai. In the pilot, Sid makes a surprise visit to Johnny’s apartment after bailing him out of prison. “When I met your mom, she really knocked my socks off,” Sid says. “Beautiful, blond, tan… tight. Little did I know I’d be taking care of her schmuck kid forever.”

Sid’s relationship with Johnny is contentious to say the least. Fed up with Johnny, Sid gives his stepson a check. It’s not, however, a gift that stems from love; he’s attempting to buy Johnny out of his life. The ever defiant Lawrence rips the check in half. “I’d rather be homeless than take money from you,” he snarls.

He later cashes the check to open his Cobra Kai dojo.

Photo: YouTube Red

WAIT, THE ED ASNER IS IN THE KARATE KID REVIVAL?!

That’s right! Ed Asner appears in Cobra Kai.

For the uninitiated, the 88-year-old actor is a legend of the entertainment industry, earning 20 Emmy nominations (winning seven) during his storied career. Many of those nominations originated from his portrayal of Lou Grant on The Mary Tyler Moore Show (and later his own series, Lou Grant). The revered performer also voiced Carl Fredricksen in Up, played Santa in Elf, and Guy Bannister in JFK.

Asner is the most honored male performer in the history of the Primetime Emmy Awards.

HOW MANY EPISODES DOES ED ASNER APPEAR IN?

Two. Asner appears in the Cobra Kai pilot as well as Episode 8 (“Molting”). After initially accepting Sid’s cash, Johnny eventually returns to pay back his stepfather. He leaves Sid with this stinging farewell:

“I never needed your money. It’s just the only thing you had to give. Goodbye, Sid.”

Related: ‘Karate Kid’ Sequel ‘Cobra Kai’ Is So Good It Will Cure Your TV Revival Hangover

Where to stream Cobra Kai