Martin Kove

Martin Kove (born March 6, 1946) is an American film and television actor known for his work in films such as Rambo: First Blood Part II and on TV series such as Cagney & Lacey. He is best known for his role as hard-nosed Karate sensei John Kreese in the Karate Kid film series.

Early life

Martin Kove was born in Brooklyn, New York City and had a Jewish upbringing.

Career

Kove appeared as Cully in the 1967-1969 CBS series, Gentle Ben, with Dennis Weaver and Clint Howard. He was cast as George Baker in the short-lived CBS series Code R (1977) about the emergency services (fire, police, and ocean rescue) in the California Channel Islands. His co-stars were James Houghton, Tom Simcox, and Joan Freeman.

He also starred in the short-lived science fiction series Hard Time on Planet Earth and made guest appearances on several television programs including Gunsmoke, Three for the Road, Kojak, Quincy, M. E., The Incredible Hulk, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, The Streets of San Francisco, and Black Scorpion.