Karate Kid star Peter Jason has died

The Hollywood star racked up more than 270 acting credits in his life.

The California native is best known for his roles in The Karate Kid, Deadwood and Mortal Kombat.

Jason played Con Stapleton in the much-loved drama, Deadwood, and appeared in a number of John Carpenter and Walter Hill directed films.

Born in July 1944, Jason studied drama at the Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh. His early TV appearances included movie A Bell for Adano and episodes of dramas The F.B.I., Cimarron Strip, Judd for the Defense and Here Come the Brides in the late 1960s.

He also appeared as Jeff in Desperate Housewives and in various episodes of Arrested Development, as well as NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.

Fans and colleagues have paid tribute to the late actor.

Legendary horror movie director John Carpenter wrote on X: "Peter Jason, one of the great character actors in cinema, has died. His first movie was Howard Hawks' RIO LOBO. He was a dear friend and I'll miss him terribly."

Peter Jason, one of the great character actors in cinema, has died. His first movie was Howard Hawks' RIO LOBO. He was a dear friend and I'll miss him terribly.

— John Carpenter (@TheHorrorMaster) February 20, 2025

Jason's friend Matt Anser wrote: "I am heartbroken.

"My dear friend and my father’s best friend, Peter Jason, passed away today. What a loss. He was truly one of the sweetest people on the planet. My heart goes out to his wife and daughter."

He continued: "Peter, I hope you and my dad are up there laughing your a***s off."

A fan added: "ah damn, RIP Peter Jason. loved him everytime he showed up in one of Carpenter’s films, especially Prince of Darkness and They Live."