Martin Kove Biography: Height, Age, Marriage, Net Worth, Instagram, Children, Facebook, Movies, TikTok

Martin Kove stands as a distinguished American actor and martial artist, best recognized for his iconic portrayal of the ruthless sensei John Kreese in The Karate Kid franchise and its acclaimed continuation, Cobra Kai.

With a career encompassing over 80 films and numerous television roles, he has masterfully depicted antagonists and complex figures in action thrillers, dramas, and ensemble series, drawing on his black belt proficiency in Okinawan karate to infuse authenticity into his performances.

Profile

• Full Name: Martin L. Kove
• Stage Name: Martin Kove
• Born: March 6, 1947
• Age: 78 years old
• Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor, Martial Artist
• Height: 6 feet 1 inch
• Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Kove
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Vivienne Kove (divorced)
• Children: Jesse Kove, Rachel Olivia Kove
• Relationship: Dating
• Net Worth: $4 million USD

Early Life and Education

Martin Kove, a distinguished American actor and martial artist, was born on March 6, 1947, in Brooklyn, New York. Adopted into a Jewish family, he grew up as an only child in a supportive yet modest household shaped by his parents’ experiences during the Great Depression, fostering his early extroversion and physical prowess.

He attended New York University briefly, supplementing his studies by auditing drama programs at other institutions and working as a substitute math teacher at Ward Melville High School.

Particulars of his formal degree remain undisclosed, though his heritage reflects Ashkenazi Jewish roots, and he observes Jewish traditions.

Career

Martin Kove embarked on his acting path in the early 1970s with uncredited roles in films like Little Murders (1971), progressing to supporting parts in Savages (1972) and Death Race 2000 (1975) as the villainous Nero the Hero.

His television breakthrough arrived with recurring appearances on Code R (1977) and a lead role as Detective Victor Isbecki on Cagney & Lacey (1982–1988).

The defining milestone came in 1984 as John Kreese in The Karate Kid, a role reprised in the sequels of 1986 and 1989, and revitalized in Cobra Kai (2018–2025), where he explored the character’s redemptive layers.

Additional highlights include the treacherous pilot in Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985), a cameo in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), and directing an episode of Silk Stalks (1994). His martial arts expertise has consistently enhanced his action-oriented portfolio across genres.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @martinkoveofficial
• Facebook Handle: @OfficialMartinKove
• Twitter Handle: @MartinKove
• TikTok Handle: @martinkove

Personal Life

Martin Kove, 78, a distinguished American actor and martial artist. He wed actress Vivienne Kove in 1981, welcoming twins Jesse and Rachel in 1990; Jesse has co-starred with him in projects like Cobra Kai and Far Haven (2023), while Rachel serves as a recovery life coach.

The marriage concluded amicably in 2005, after which Kove entered a long-term relationship with Mary Scavo Squire, evident in shared public appearances since 2018.

Residing in Tarzana, California—where he holds the honorary marshal title—he prioritizes family bonds, painting, photography, and advocacy against bullying, embodying a disciplined yet approachable demeanor off-screen.

Net Worth

Martin Kove, a distinguished American actor and martial artist, commands an estimated net worth of $4 million USD.

This stems predominantly from residuals across The Karate Kid series and Cobra Kai, augmented by television engagements, film roles, and convention appearances, reflecting his sustained relevance in the industry.