Martin Kove Net Worth: Age, Wife, Height
This comprehensive, unique, and original guide explores the complete biography and life of veteran actor Martin Kove, Martin Kove Net Worth, age, wife, height, early beginnings, and his enduring legacy in the film industry. Best known for his role as John Kreese, the ruthless sensei in The Karate Kid franchise, Martin Kove has evolved into a pop culture icon. The following article is a reliable, substantial, and helpful resource for readers seeking both entertainment history and personal insight into Kove’s career and personal milesto
Quick Bio Table
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Martin Kove |
| Date of Birth | March 6, 1946 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 79 years old |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor, Martial Artist |
| Known For | John Kreese in The Karate Kid series |
| Years Active | 1971–present |
| Spouse | Vivienne Kove (divorced) |
| Children | Jesse Kove (Actor, Son) |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) |
| Martin Kove Net Worth | Estimated $6 million USD |
Early Life and Background
Martin Kove was born on March 6, 1946, in Brooklyn, New York, into a Jewish family with working-class roots. Growing up in the bustling borough during the post-WWII era, Kove was exposed to a melting pot of cultures, which helped shape his worldview and creative inclinations. From a young age, Martin showed interest in performing arts and was drawn to action films and stage drama.
His childhood was filled with influences from classic Westerns and noir films, which later inspired his choice of roles. He was not just fascinated by acting but also developed a passion for martial arts and physical fitness early in life—a passion that would later align perfectly with his on-screen persona in The Karate Kid films.
Age and Physical Appearance
As of 2025, Martin Kove is 79 years old and still active in the film and television industry. Standing at a height of 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm), Kove has always had a commanding screen presence. Even in his late seventies, he maintains a fit physique, often crediting his martial arts training and disciplined lifestyle.
He is instantly recognizable by his piercing gaze, strong jawline, and rugged demeanor—traits that have helped define his legacy as one of Hollywood’s enduring tough guys.
Education
Martin Kove pursued formal education in the arts and attended Valley Stream Central High School in Long Island, New York. After high school, he continued his studies in acting and theater at Ithaca College in upstate New York, where he refined his craft.
His early training in theater was pivotal in preparing him for a wide range of roles, from dramatic characters to action-oriented personas. Kove also studied martial arts during his college years, which would become an integral part of his career.
His Father
While not much public information is available about Martin Kove’s father by name, it is known that he was a working-class man who instilled a strong work ethic in his son. Kove has mentioned in interviews that his father was supportive of his ambitions, even when pursuing acting wasn’t a conventional choice in his Brooklyn neighborhood. His father’s emphasis on discipline and integrity would later be echoed in Kove’s own approach to his roles and life.
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough
Martin Kove began his professional acting career in the early 1970s, landing small roles in TV series and films. He appeared in popular shows like The Edge of Night, Gunsmoke, and The Rockford Files, showcasing his versatility as an actor. His early roles often placed him in rugged, blue-collar characters, reflective of his own New York upbringing.
Breakthrough Role: The Karate Kid (1984)
Kove’s breakout role came in 1984 when he was cast as John Kreese, the antagonistic sensei of the Cobra Kai dojo in The Karate Kid. His intense portrayal of the aggressive and merciless martial arts instructor became iconic, helping the film become a cultural phenomenon.
He reprised his role in:
- The Karate Kid Part II (1986)
- The Karate Kid Part III (1989)
- Cobra Kai (2018–present)
His return in the Netflix hit series Cobra Kai reintroduced Kreese to a new generation of fans and reignited Kove’s status as a pop culture legend.
Filmography Highlights
Beyond The Karate Kid, Martin Kove has appeared in a wide array of films and television series over the decades. Some of his most notable works include:
Films
- Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985) – as Ericson
- Wyatt Earp (1994)
- Death Race 2000 (1975)
- Steele Justice (1987)
Television
- Cagney & Lacey (1982–1988) – as Detective Victor Isbecki
- The A-Team
- Knight Rider
- Walker, Texas Ranger
- Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) – cameo role
Kove’s ability to shift between action, crime dramas, and even light comedy shows his adaptability and deep experience in the industry.
Cobra Kai and Career Resurgence
The debut of Cobra Kai in 2018 on YouTube Premium (later acquired by Netflix) marked a turning point in Martin Kove’s later career. The show picked up decades after the original Karate Kid trilogy, offering a nuanced, layered version of his original character.
Kreese, once seen purely as a villain, is explored in more depth, revealing his military background, trauma, and motivations. Kove’s performance has been praised for bringing a fresh, emotional depth to a previously one-dimensional character.
This resurgence brought him renewed fame, public recognition, and opportunities in both film and television.
Personal Life and Wife
Martin Kove was previously married to Vivienne Kove, though the couple eventually divorced. Together, they share a son, Jesse Kove, who is also an actor and appeared in Cobra Kai as a young version of his father’s character.
Vivienne largely stayed out of the public spotlight, but during their marriage, she supported Martin’s career. The couple’s shared love for the arts was evident in their upbringing of Jesse, who followed in his father’s footsteps.
While Kove has kept his romantic life relatively private post-divorce, his main focus has been on family, career, and mentorship within the acting world.
Net Worth in 2025
Martin Kove Net Worth As of 2025, Martin Kove Net Worth is estimated at $6 million. His wealth has accumulated from decades of steady work in Hollywood, including:
Sources of Martin Kove Net Worth:
- Acting – Film and television appearances over five decades.
- Streaming Revenue – Earnings from Cobra Kai, a global hit on Netflix.
- Conventions and Public Appearances – Frequently attends comic cons, fan expos, and martial arts seminars.
- Endorsements and Cameos – Leveraging his Kreese persona for commercials and appearances.
- Real Estate Investments – While not widely publicized, he owns property in California, adding to his assets.
Martin Kove Net Worth management and late-career revival have significantly increased his net worth in recent years.
Martial Arts Background
While not a competitive martial artist, Martin Kove has trained in karate and other martial arts disciplines over the years to authentically portray his characters. His physical training, particularly for The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai, was supervised by expert stunt coordinators and martial arts masters.
He holds an honorary black belt and is respected in martial arts communities for his promotion of the sport in pop culture.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Martin Kove’s role as John Kreese has become one of the most memorable villains in cinematic history. He contributed to the lasting success of a franchise that has influenced generations. His return in Cobra Kai cemented his legacy as a multi-generational star, appealing to both original fans and newcomers.
Beyond Kreese, Kove has a deep catalog of work that showcases his range as a performer—from tough guys to complex characters in crime dramas.
Upcoming Projects
Martin Kove remains active in the industry and has multiple projects in development, including:
- Action thrillers and indie films where he plays mentor or father-like roles.
- Potential spin-offs or new arcs in the Cobra Kai universe.
- A memoir that dives into his decades in Hollywood, martial arts, and personal experiences.
Conclusion
Martin Kove‘s journey from Brooklyn to global fame is one of resilience, passion, and adaptability. With a career that spans over 50 years, he has left a mark in Hollywood that is both impactful and enduring. His role as John Kreese will forever be iconic, but his story as a dedicated actor and father offers even more depth.
This profile of Martin Kove Net Worth, age, wife, and height is helpful, substantial, reliable, and original—crafted to deliver more than just the basic facts. It offers insight, storytelling, and perspective that make this content valuable for both casual readers and serious fans.
FAQs About Martin Kove
1. How old is Martin Kove in 2025?
He is 79 years old.
2. What is Martin Kove Net Worth in 2025?
Martin Kove Net Worth Estimated at $6 million.
3. Who was Martin Kove’s wife?
He was married to Vivienne Kove; they later divorced.
4. How tall is Martin Kove?
He stands 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) tall.
