Courtney Henggeler, best known for her role as Amanda LaRusso in the hit Netflix series “Cobra Kai,” recently announced that she is stepping away from acting after more than two decades in the industry. In a heartfelt post on Substack, Henggeler shared her decision to leave behind the world of acting and pursue a new path.
Having portrayed Amanda LaRusso, the wife of Daniel LaRusso (played by Ralph Macchio) and mother to Samantha and Anthony, Henggeler became a familiar face to fans of the show. “Cobra Kai,” a continuation of the beloved “Karate Kid” franchise, enjoyed a successful run on Netflix after originally debuting on YouTube Red. The series concluded its final season after seven years, with Henggeler’s character playing a pivotal role throughout the show’s run.
Reflecting on her acting career, Henggeler expressed a desire to break free from the constant hustle and grind of the industry. “All I’ve ever known in my professional life was acting,” she wrote. “But not even the art or craft of acting. All I’ve truly ever knew was the hustle. The hustle, the grind, sprinkled occasionally with the odd acting job.”
Despite her decision to step away from acting, Henggeler’s talent and dedication to her craft have not gone unnoticed. With credits in both television and film, including a memorable appearance on “House” in 2005 and a role in George Clooney’s “The Boys in the Boat,” she has made a lasting impression on audiences.
In her Substack post, Henggeler pondered the idea of reclaiming one’s power and breaking free from the confines of societal expectations. “What if we choose to believe we have the power? What if we had it all along?” she mused. “We lose perspective on our own machine, because we are convinced we need another. We wait for power to be bestowed upon us. What if we never needed to run the gauntlet? What if we are the gauntlet?”
As Henggeler embarks on a new chapter in her life, fans can look back on her memorable performances with admiration and appreciation. While her decision to leave acting may come as a surprise to some, it is clear that she is following her heart and seeking a path that resonates with her on a deeper level. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors, whatever they may be.
