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Friends, Colleagues Recall Actor Rob Garrison

Rob Garrison

Local friends and family are recalling the talents and friendships of the late actor Robert “Rob” Garrison who died Friday at Wheeling Hospital.

Best known for his early years in acting as Tommy in the 1984 classic film “The Karate Kid,” Garrison, 59, touched the lives and hearts of his fans and those who knew him.

A native of Wheeling, Garrison attended Warwood Grade School, Wheeling Park High School and Ohio University. In more recent years, Garrison starred in the YouTube series “Cobra Kai.” He returned to Wheeling in recent years and appeared in Towngate Theatre productions and “The Pledge” movie, originally titled “Doughboy.”

Among the comments posted on social media by friends and family is this from Kristin Nixon-Seibert’s page:

“‘The Pledge’ family is heartbroken to report the passing of an incredible actor and our dear friend, Rob Garrison.

“Rob blessed us with portraying ‘Pat Kern’ in our film. Before that, he had a wonderful career in Hollywood, including his iconic role of Tommy in the 1984 film “The Karate Kid.” We send our thoughts and prayers to his family.”

Robert Gaudio of Wheeling, a fellow Towngate actor, posted these remarks:

“Rob Garrison and I became close friends during work on the production of Jeremy F. Richter’s brilliant adaptation of Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ at Towngate Theatre in late 2014. He was a professional at all times — at times a professional pain in the tuckus (!) — and always deferent to others, available to the large cast’s mirth and responsive to the insightful direction of Tim Thompson.

“Every night of the run, he dressed and rested in the Towngate’s upstairs pastor’s study when he prepared to play Scrooge, a role that required him to be onstage constantly. Rob asked me on opening night to keep him silent company while we donned our costumes and make-up — ‘Just to have a friend in the room,’ he said. We prepared quietly, and I sometimes helped him to run his lines before curtain. Mostly, though, we trusted and enjoyed each other’s quiet company. We had a blast in our few minutes together onstage, as well. And our friendship lasted over these five years, suffering each other’s ups and downs in life.”

Don Feenerty, who directed Garrison on several occasions, said, “I once asked him if I was the worst director he ever worked with. Without missing a beat he said, ‘No. You’re about the fourth worst director I’ve ever worked with.’ I took that as a complement and to this day wear it as a badge of honor. Long live Cobra Kai.”

Brenda Showalter Jackson noted Garrison was her cousin and remembered him fondly during their childhood.

“As I worked and looked through the wire tonight for news stories, there were several stories on the death of Rob Garrison, but to me, he was my cousin, and a friend. We grew up together, at Warwood Grade School and Wheeling Park High, graduating a year apart. I remember sometimes riding together from Warwood to basketball games. I remember going to see him in the high school plays at WPHS. And him graduating from Ohio University. And gosh, the excitement when all of us went to see him in ‘The Karate Kid’ that first time — the Warwood Twin theater put his name first on the marquee and the place was full! And when he had that part in “St. Elsewhere” — that was awesome. Rob was a good guy. A nice guy. A good son who helped his mother, my Aunt Caddie. A brother and uncle and friend. RIP Rob. You’re too young to go…”

William Zabka played “Johnny” in “The Karate Kid” and remained one of Garrison’s best friends.

“Rob and I met when we were auditioning for ‘Karate Kid.’ We instantly connected and became friends while filming the movie. Our friendship grew stronger over the many years since then,” he said.

“Rob was a true thespian — an ‘actors actor.’ Working with him was always natural and effortless. He elevated every scene and moment inside of them. Outside of acting, he was one of the most selfless and wonderful human beings I’ve ever known and I will miss him immensely.”

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