(Photo credit @mckaystewartphotography)
Jesse Kove pretty much lived adjacent to “The Karate Kid” and “Cobra Kai” universe for his entire life. The actor and son of Pop Culture icon, Martin Kove, recently had a spot on season 3’s “Cobra Kai.” This full-circle moment was a dream come true for Jesse, and his career is really taking off. Born in Los Angeles, the 6’2″ talent is pretty much a superhero in-the-making with his focus on fitness and eating right, he stays in amazing shape. He is known for his roles in the Lifetime film “Christmas on the Menu,” and “D-Day: Battle of Omaha Beach.”
Read about how he plans to “pull a Ben Affleck type of career” and how found his way into the world of Martial Arts.
Colleen Bement: Hi Jesse! Congratulations on your spot on Netflix’s “Cobra Kai.” I heard that your character pretty much stole the show in your scene. What was that experience like being that you’ve kind of grown up in the Cobra Kai world with your father?
Jesse Kove: Wow! Humbled by that compliment. Thank you so much! Growing up in the world of “Cobra Kai” has been a lot of fun. My father, being the sensei, is an interesting one because he’s my real-life father, but also this iconic character. And people always wonder if he’s actually a bully in real life, but he is not. He’s a sweet man who loves to be with his kids. And we get to work with each other as well!
CB: How did the cast and crew welcome you to the set?
JK: They welcomed me with open arms. In fact, on the day of shooting, everybody was so excited because they knew that I was Marty’s actual son and they were very excited to have me on. They had heard rumors that it was happening, and I think it was a really fun Easter egg for a lot of people. I’d met the cast before and some of the crew, so it was nice to see them again and actually work creatively with them!
CB: Did you find your way into the world of Martial Arts when you were young?
JK: Yes, I did do martial arts when I was younger and I have done some sporadically throughout the years in class as well as in various movies. I’m actually getting back into it now. I enjoy the sport of it and the skillset that you learn from martial arts.
CB: What can you share about your new film “Ask Me to Dance“?
JK: This is a musical I’m very excited about. I’ve never been part of one before. It’s also got a lot of comedy in it and I love doing comedy, though it doesn’t always fall in my lap, so I’m very excited to bring this character to life and have some fun with some dancing mixed in.
CB: What other projects do you have in the works that you’re allowed to tell us about?
JK: I have a new thriller coming out on TV very soon. I can’t say too much about this role, but I’m very excited for everybody to see it! Also, I will be in another romantic comedy called “Save the Date,” which shoots in Vegas in the next few months. And I’m going to be joining the cast of a series on Amazon called “Gravesend” with my father. We will be working together on that. It shoots in New Jersey as well as Brooklyn, New York, which we are both very excited to do since the show takes place in the late eighties.
CB: I hear that you’re a bit of a diet and fitness regimen guru. What tips do you have for those trying to get in shape and stay in shape?
JK: The hardest part is starting. Once you start the process of eating better or getting into a new workout regiment, you’re already 80% of the way there. Getting into a nice routine of working out and eating healthy is a huge aspect of that, and incorporating it into your life is so important. That’s my advice for everybody: Just start. At least you will be going in the right direction.
CB: You’ve done some producing and directing. Do you have plans to get behind the camera again soon?
JK: Yes, I love being behind the camera. I see myself pulling a Ben Affleck type of career, which would be a dream. I love all aspects of the creative art form of filmmaking, and I can’t wait to direct again soon.
Start watching season three of “Cobra Kai” and stay tuned to what Jesse has in the future.
Written by Colleen BementÂ
Hi, I’m Lynn, and I Make.
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