In a revealing conversation with Xmag, Griffin Santopietro offers an inside look at wrapping up his iconic role as Anthony LaRusso on Netflix’s ‘Cobra Kai’, sharing his experiences, influences, and expectations for the future
The announcement that the sixth season of ‘Cobra Kai’ will be its last brings a mix of emotions for Griffin Santopietro. “In many ways, ending ‘Cobra Kai’ feels a lot like graduating from high school. It’s wrapped in a surreal atmosphere, and I won’t fully grasp its significance until we start filming again next year,” he reflects. Despite the nostalgia, Griffin is excited about what lies ahead for him as an actor. “I feel lucky to have been part of such a meaningful project, and I’m ready to take on new challenges.”
In this final season, Anthony LaRusso undergoes significant development. Griffin is particularly excited about his character’s evolution. “I was personally very excited about Anthony this season because it was the first time in the series that his interest in karate was no longer novel. I loved that it had become a natural part of the dojo,” he explains. Griffin has worked to portray Anthony with more confidence than before, mirroring his own personal and professional growth. “I wanted to show Anthony with more confidence, and I hope people can see that when they watch me on screen. It was an exciting journey to showcase how Anthony’s confidence has grown, just as my own confidence has in real life,” he adds.
One of Griffin’s most memorable moments working on ‘Cobra Kai’ happened toward the end of Season 4. “I’ll never forget that towards the end of filming Season 4, I had ‘Cobra Kai‘ frisbees made with my name on them as a wrap gift. I realized my mistake when those frisbees were in the hands of my energetic castmates, and all I saw the rest of the day were frisbees flying around the ‘All Valley’ set, he recalls with a smile. The anecdote, while amusing, also highlights the camaraderie and playful spirit of the team.
Griffin also had the chance to work with Adam Sandler on ‘The Week Of’, an experience he describes as formative. “Filming The Week Of in the same year as the first season of ‘Cobra Kai’ was quite a whirlwind for an 11-year-old, going from working with Adam Sandler to Ralph Macchio,” says Griffin. He values Sandler’s humility and dedication, noting how Sandler went out of his way to make the cast comfortable during long nights of filming. “Adam was a huge influence at that stage, and I hope to work with him again because it was one of the best experiences I’ve had in this industry,” he asserts.


In addition to ‘Cobra Kai’, Griffin has appeared in shows like ‘New Amsterdam’ and ‘Bull’. Comparing these projects to his work on ‘Cobra Kai’ provides him with valuable perspective. “I loved working on those projects between ‘Cobra Kai’ seasons because they gave me the chance to explore different genres. ‘Cobra Kai’ is fun as an actor since it stays in this karate-centered suspended reality. ‘New Amsterdam‘ and ‘Bull‘ were much more realistic and allowed me to explore dramatic acting in a way I hadn’t before,” Griffin explains. These contrasting experiences have contributed to his growth as an actor.
His career began in school plays, and at age 9, he won Best Child Actor at Talent Inc. “That was the beginning of it all for me. It was when my mom and I realized that this was a real possibility for me,” Griffin recalls. Winning that award led him to find his agents and marked the start of his professional career, moving him from school stages to the entertainment world.
Outside of acting, Griffin is a dedicated student and values his education deeply. “I consider myself a strong student, and I love learning and expanding my knowledge of the world. School has always been an important part of my life, and I’m lucky to continue my education at Yale University this fall,” he comments. Education is a crucial pillar in his life, helping him balance his career and studies.
When it comes to creative influences, Griffin draws inspiration from comics and literature. “Comics have been my biggest creative influence. As a kid, I was always fascinated by superheroes and their stories. In recent years, I’ve found that same inspiration in literature. My favorite authors like Thoreau and Kafka have amplified my drive to create and share my art,” he reveals.


To young actors just starting out, Griffin offers this advice: “I think it’s important to keep a realistic perspective on your career. I face this issue a lot when I feel like I’m not doing as much or as well as I’d like. I take a moment to understand how this industry works in waves and how it’s about waiting for your moment.”
Finally, Griffin shares details about his life outside of the screen. He lives in Connecticut with his family and his dog, Stella, and finds essential balance in his daily life. “As I mentioned, a big part of my life outside of acting revolves around school. This summer, I’ve spent a lot of time with my siblings, who definitely keep me grounded. It’s very comforting to know that I have people who will always be there for me and definitely keep me humble,” he says affectionately.
Although there are no specific projects on the immediate horizon, Griffin is excited about the direction of his career. “There’s nothing concrete to talk about right now, but I’m definitely excited about where my career is heading,” he concludes.
Griffin Santopietro has not only made a lasting impact with ‘Cobra Kai‘, but he also continues to explore new opportunities and challenges in his career. With his talent, humility, and passion for acting, the future looks bright for this young actor.
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