Martin Kove Bio, Age, Wife, Movies, Son, Ethnicity, Net Worth

Martin Kove Biography

Martin Kove (born March 6, 1947) is an American actor and martial artist from Brooklyn, New York. He first worked as a substitute math teacher before pursuing acting in Los Angeles.

Kove appeared in cult classics like Death Race 2000 and White Line Fever in 1975. From 1982 to 1988, he earned fame on Cagney & Lacey, playing Detective Victor Isbecki. Moreover, he played a traitorous helicopter pilot in Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985).

However, his breakthrough came as sensei John Kreese in The Karate Kid (1984). He reprised that iconic role in The Karate Kid Part II (1986), Part III (1989), and the Netflix series Cobra Kai (2018–2025).

In addition, he appeared in Quentin Tarantino’s film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019). He also showed humor in a QuickBooks commercial parody and competed on Dancing with the Stars in 2021.

Kove studied Okinawa-te karate and directed an episode of Silk Stalkings in 1994. Overall, Martin Kove built a versatile career but remains best known for portraying the ruthless, charismatic Kreese.

Martin Kove Age

How old is Martin Kove?

Martin Kove (born March 6, 1947) is 78 years old as of June 2025. Consequently, he celebrates his 78th birthday this year, and he remains active in film and television.

Martin Kove Height

Martin Kove stands approximately 6 feet 1 inch tall, which is about 1.86 meters. His tall stature complements his commanding screen presence. Over the years, his height has suited roles like John Kreese in The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai. Additionally, his strong frame helped him perform in action-packed films like Rambo: First Blood Part II.

Martin Kove‘s Wife

Does Martin Kove have a wife?

Martin Kove married Vivienne Lavinia Watson (also known as Vivienne Kove) in 1981. They welcomed twins, daughter Rachel and son Jesse, in November 1990. Additionally, both children pursued acting, following his footsteps. However, the couple divorced in 2005 after 24 years of marriage. Consequently, Vivienne maintained a lower-profile lifestyle after divorce, focusing on family and personal growth. In contrast, he continued thriving in his acting career, including roles in Cobra Kai and other projects. Ultimately, their marriage significantly shaped both their public and private lives.

Martin Kove Movies and Tv Shows

Kove has built an impressive career in both movies and TV shows. He gained recognition for tough and commanding roles. Over the years, he acted in action films, dramas, and even westerns. His iconic role as John Kreese remains a standout. Below are some of his notable appearances:

Movies:

• The Karate Kid (1984)
• The Karate Kid Part II (1986)
• The Karate Kid Part III (1989)
• Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985)
• Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)
• Far Haven (2023)

TV Shows:

• Cagney & Lacey (1982–1988)
• Cobra Kai (2018–2025)
• The Goldbergs
• The Outer Limits

His roles span decades, showcasing versatility and on-screen charisma.

Martin Kove Karate Kid

Martin Kove earned fame as John Kreese in The Karate Kid saga. He instilled the iconic “no mercy” philosophy. Furthermore, he reprised Kreese in The Karate Kid Part II (1986) and Part III (1989). Then, he returned to the role in Cobra Kai (2018–2025), starring across six seasons. Alongside that, he discussed Kreese’s evolution and alternate season-finale ending with media outlets. Moreover, he revealed an unused ending implying Kreese survived a yacht blast. Consequently, fans gained deeper insight into Kreese’s arc. Also, Kove attended Cobra Kai finale events with his family. Ultimately, Martin Kove’s portrayal cemented John Kreese as a generational martial-arts villain.

Martin Kove Rambo

Martin Kove portrayed Michael Reed Ericson in Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985). He brought depth to a helicopter-pilot antagonist. Furthermore, he helped transport Rambo into the Vietnam jungle. However, he betrayed Rambo when CIA orders changed. Despite this, he showed guilt and empathy before deserting him. This betrayal motivated Rambo’s rescue mission and emotional confrontation. Consequently, his character added moral complexity to the action sequel. The film highlighted loyalty versus orders through his conflicted performance. Overall, Kove’s Ericson remains a memorable supporting character in the Rambo franchise.

Martin Kove Son

Who is Martin Kove’s son?

Martin Kove’s son, Jesse Kove, continues his family’s acting legacy. Born on November 2, 1990, in Los Angeles, he grew up immersed in film sets. Furthermore, Jesse appeared as young David in flashbacks on Cobra Kai Season 3. He also co-starred with his father in the 2023 western film Far Haven. Additionally, he acted in Hallmark’s romantic comedy A Taste of Love alongside Martin. Moreover, Jesse works on new TV pilots and a comic-book series with his dad. Through diverse roles and on-screen chemistry with his father, Jesse Kove builds a promising acting career.

Martin Kove Cobra Kai

Martin Kove played John Kreese in Cobra Kai from 2018 to 2025. He reprised his iconic villain role across all six seasons. Furthermore, he revealed an alternate finale where Kreese survived a yacht explosion. Additionally, he attended the series finale premiere with family, celebrating the show’s legacy. Moreover, during a fan convention in June 2025, he faced an incident involving co-star Alicia Hannah‑Kim, leading to his removal from the event. Ultimately, Kove emphasized Kreese’s emotional evolution over tough-guy persona, citing character growth across Cobra Kai’s run. His return added depth and intensity to the Karate Kid continuation series.

Martin Kove‘s Martial Arts

Does Martin Kove know Karate?

Martin has trained extensively in martial arts, notably earning a black belt in Okinawa-te karate. Moreover, he studied Kendo and Tae Kwon Do early in his career. During The Karate Kid filming, he trained three hours daily with stunt coordinator Pat Johnson. Additionally, he worked on weapon arts and axe techniques for The Line of Ireland. Furthermore, Kove focuses on discipline, meditation, and physical fitness to sustain longevity. His martial arts training not only shaped his performance as John Kreese but also deepened the authenticity of his action roles throughout film and television.

Martin Kove Plastic Surgery

Martin Kove has faced plastic surgery rumors due to his youthful appearance well into his late 70s. Many fans suspect he used Botox and injectable fillers to smooth forehead lines and crow’s feet. However, Martin has never confirmed undergoing any procedures. Instead, he credits his youthful look to a dedicated fitness regimen, disciplined martial arts training, and a healthy lifestyle. Thus, his appearance likely reflects a mix of genetics, wellness routines, and subtle cosmetic care—if any. Moreover, his continued vitality supports how his martial arts discipline drives both his physical condition and aging confidence.

Martin Kove Twins

Martin Kove’s twins, Jesse and Rachel, were born in November 1990 in Los Angeles. They grew up immersed in acting and Westerns. Furthermore, Jesse appeared as a young bully in Cobra Kai Season 3 flashbacks. Additionally, he co-starred alongside Martin in the 2023 Western film Far Haven. Meanwhile, Rachel transitioned into personal development, becoming a certified recovery life coach and CEO of Transformational Solutions. Moreover, the twins now co-host the “Cobra Koves” podcast with their father, sharing franchise stories and family insights. Overall, Jesse and Rachel continue the family legacy and carve their own creative and entrepreneurial paths.

Martin Kove‘s Health

Kove maintains impressive health and stamina at age 78. He trains three days weekly with a personal trainer at a private gym. Moreover, he complements workouts with daily treadmill or elliptical sessions. Additionally, he starts each morning with karate-based meditation and stretching routines. Furthermore, he incorporates horseback riding and tennis to diversify his fitness regimen. He credits martial arts and mindset for his physical longevity. During Cobra Kai filming, he performed many of his own stunts, showcasing agility and readiness. Also, he overcame earlier injuries—such as a glass-related wrist injury demonstrating resilience. Ultimately, Kove’s holistic fitness approach sustains his on-screen vitality and martial arts prowess.

Martin Kove‘s Ethnicity

Martin Kove comes from a white, Ashkenazi Jewish background. He was adopted into a conservative Jewish household in Brooklyn. Furthermore, his family celebrated Purim, and his mother cooked traditional recipes like tzimmes and matzah brie. Moreover, Kove remains proud of his heritage and has spoken publicly about his Jewish identity during interviews. Additionally, he agreed to reprise Cobra Kai only after ensuring his character displayed emotional depth, reflecting his cultural values. Ultimately, his Jewish ethnicity has contributed to his strong moral compass and informs both his personal life and professional choices.

Martin Kove Military

Was Martin Kove in military in real life?

Martin never served in the real military, but he portrays Vietnam War veteran John Kreese, a U.S. Army Special Forces Captain, in The Karate Kid series. Kreese’s backstory shows him joining the Army in 1965 and earning recognition as a karate champion during service. Moreover, Kove has spoken about researching Army Ranger life to portray Kreese authentically. Additionally, in 2022, Marines at Camp Pendleton welcomed him for his portrayal of Kreese’s veteran persona. Overall, Kove invested deeply in understanding military themes. Consequently, his disciplined, authoritative screen presence convincingly brings Kreese’s special forces past to life.

Martin Kove Net Worth

Martin Kove’s estimated net worth stands at around $2 million as of 2025. He earned this wealth through decades of acting in movies and television. Moreover, he continues generating income from royalties, convention appearances, and brand endorsements.