Cobra Kai: I’m Not Sure How Ralph Macchio’s Karate Kid Franchise Can Continue After Major Actor’s Retirement
Courtney Henggeler retires, leaving a powerful legacy as Amanda LaRusso in Cobra Kai, a character fans loved for her grounding presence.
There’s something about Cobra Kai that just hits different, I can’t quite put a finger on it because it feels like so many things at once, like the nostalgia it brings, the karate showdowns, and the emotional depth. At the center of it was Amanda LaRusso, quietly keeping everything together and putting the madness in check.
I’ve seen her confront man-children in black gis, put out fires, and remind Daniel of important lessons. She was such a layered character who grounded the show, and I wished to see more of her in the upcoming movies and possible spin-offs, but unfortunately, that might not be possible.
Courtney Henggeler’s retirement leaves a void in Cobra Kai
Courtney Henggeler is the powerhouse actress behind Amanda LaRusso in Cobra Kai, and on March 30, 2025, she announced her retirement from acting through a Substack post. This news is quite upsetting because Henggeler didn’t just play the role; she brought it to life.
After 20 plus years of fighting the good fight in the acting business, I hung up my gloves on Friday. I called my agents and told them I was tapping out. I no longer wanted to be a cog in the wheel of the machine.
The actress added a mix of sarcasm, strength, and an unmatched flair to Amanda that couldn’t be recreated by anyone else. I was convinced that she truly is the deeply compassionate individual that Henggeler was portraying her to be.
So, after reading the post, I felt like someone had hit pause on a character that I didn’t know I needed so much. The actress was brutally honest in her post, and it was clear that being a part of the industry was something she didn’t want anymore. And even though I’m upset, I support Henggeler’s decision to reclaim her power.
Why Amanda LaRusso mattered so much to Cobra Kai’s story
To me, Amanda wasn’t just Daniel’s wife. She was the grown-up in the room and the voice of reason. She did what the audience found reasonable, and now, she might be gone. From the very beginning, Courtney Henggeler’s character felt like a breath of fresh air in the chaos of karate and dojo wars.
While Daniel and Johnny were busy reigniting their high school rivalry, Amanda was keeping everything afloat, raising the kids, and making sure that people remembered how karate is not the solution to every problem. I loved how she never let Ralph Macchio’s Daniel off the hook and called him out when he was too wrapped up in his nostalgia and grudges.
The way she confronted Kreese in season 3 was such a brilliant moment that showcased her protective nature, and that scene alone shows what Amanda brought to the table. So now with Henggeler’s departure? What possible narrative turns could they take?
Will they just add a “we grew apart” storyline, replace her with a new actress, or focus on the new generation and just reference her from time to time to show her influence? Whatever route they take, I hope they don’t write the character out of the franchise because she was one who reminded everyone that it isn’t just about fighting but also knowing when not to.
