Robert Scott "Rob" Garrison (January 23, 1960 – September 27, 2019) was an American film and television actor whose work reached a broad audience through a mix of feature films and guest television appearances. He is most widely remembered for his portrayal of Tommy, a memorable high‑school antagonist in the 1984 film The Karate Kid. That role established him within popular culture and among fans of 1980s cinema.

Career and screen work

Garrison began acting professionally in the late 1970s, with one of his earliest credited film appearances in the science‑fiction feature Starship Invasions. Over the following decades he worked steadily in both movies and television. His television credits included guest roles on series such as MacGyver, St. Elsewhere, and Coach, where he contributed supporting performances that showcased his range beyond the bully archetype he had played on film.

Beyond single appearances, Garrison returned to the world that made him best known when he reprised his character for the modern continuation of the franchise. He appeared as Tommy in the streaming revival series Cobra Kai, connecting the original film era with a new generation of viewers and reinforcing the endurance of the property.

Selected credits

  • Starship Invasions (early film role, 1970s)
  • The Karate Kid (1984) — as Tommy, a high‑school antagonist
  • Guest TV appearances on MacGyver, St. Elsewhere, and Coach
  • Reprised role of Tommy in the Cobra Kai series

Although he did not always occupy leading roles, Garrison's work contributed to several well‑known projects and he remained recognizable to fans of 1980s film and contemporary viewers of the revival series. His on‑screen persona often reflected the era's youth drama and rivalry themes, and later appearances acknowledged and played with that legacy.

Rob Garrison died on September 27, 2019, at the age of 59. His passing was noted by fans and colleagues who remembered his role in a defining popular film and his later participation in the franchise revival. Today he is often cited in discussions about the enduring cultural impact of The Karate Kid and its continuing presence through projects like Cobra Kai.