Ralph Macchio has paid tribute to Jerry Weintraub, the producer behind the “Karate Kid” film series that propelled the actor to stardom.
“So sad at loss of Jerry Weintraub, you were 1 of a kind, my friend. Last of a breed. So glad I got to be ‘that kid,”‘ Macchio tweeted.
Macchio starred in the original 1984 “Karate Kid,” which grossed over $90 million upon its release. Macchio also starred in two subsequent sequels in 1986 and 1989, which Weintraub also produced.
Macchio was among many offering their condolences on the passing of the legendary producer. Director William Friedkin wrote, “To my great sorrow, my friend and former producer Jerry Weintraub has died suddenly. He was loved and admired. God bless him.”
“Just heard Jerry Weintraub has died. He was a giant and a good friend,” actor Paul Reiser tweeted. “No Jerry, no ‘Diner’ No ‘Karate Kid’… And a lot less fun. RIP.”
Broadcaster Larry King wrote, “Shocked to learn of the passing of Jerry Weintraub. I just saw him last week. This is a great loss to show business, what a legend.”
So sad at loss of Jerry Weintraub, you were 1 of a kind, my friend. Last of a breed. So glad I got to be “that kid” pic.twitter.com/ebN7p8ptUL
– Ralph Macchio (@ralphmacchio) July 6, 2015
To my great sorrow, my friend and former producer Jerry Weintraub has died suddenly. He was loved And admired. God bless him.
– William Friedkin (@WilliamFriedkin) July 6, 2015
Just heard Jerry Weintraub has died. He was a giant and a good friend. No Jerry, no “Diner” No “Karate Kid”… And a lot less fun. RIP.
– Paul Reiser (@PaulReiser) July 6, 2015
Shocked to learn of the passing of Jerry Weintraub. I just saw him last week. This is a great loss to show business, what a legend.
– Larry King (@kingsthings) July 6, 2015
Never again will the movie business see a man like #JerryWeintraub . One of the greatest producers, and men, of all time. #rip
– Kevin Zegers (@KevinZegers) July 6, 2015
I’ll miss Jerry Weintraub. Sad that he died. He was one of the smartest, funniest, sharpest men I have ever met. And understood everything.
– Brian Koppelman (@briankoppelman) July 6, 2015