The only main cast still alive from the 1985 Equalizer TV series

Long before Denzel Washington played the quietly murderous Robert McCall “The Equalizer” films.Edward Woodward portrayed the character in the original CBS television series. “The Equalizer” aired on the network from 1985 to 1989 and starred Woodward as a retired intelligence agent who uses his skills to help bring justice to those who have been wronged in their daily lives.

It’s a remarkably durable formula that has not only spawned three films led by Denzel (with The fourth and fifth “Equalizer” films have already been confirmed), but it’s also a reboot series starring Queen Latifah that has run for five full seasons already. Each installment of the series brought something new to the table, but none of them would have existed without the original series from co-creators Michael Sloan and Richard Lindheim.

There was a lot to love about the ’80s show, which took a simple premise and, with the help of Woodward and a cast of major guest stars, turned it into a show that still resonates nearly 40 years after its debut. Sadly, we have since lost many of the actors who appeared in The Equalizer, as Woodward himself passed away in 2009. Currently, only two of the main actors from the original series remain with us today.

American actor Keith Sarabajka paid a wonderful compliment to his British co-star, playing Mickey Kostmeyer in “The Equalizer.” Kostmayer, a former Marine who joined the company at the recommendation of Robert McCall, first appeared in Season 1, Episode 2, and remained a part of the show throughout all four seasons, with McCall calling on him for help with many of his jobs.

Kostmayer was Szarabajka’s first major television role after appearing in one episode of “Miami Vice.” However, after his stint on the CBS series, he continued to work steadily, landing small roles on other popular shows such as “Law & Order,” “Babylon 5,” and “Walker, Texas Ranger” throughout the 1990s. He also had parts in a few films during the decade, but didn’t start appearing in high-profile projects until the 2000s.

After playing 18th century vampire hunter Daniel Holtz in 11 episodes of Angel, Szarabajka played Gotham detective Gerard Stevens in “The Dark Knight” (which is still somewhat better than you remember)where he had a memorable scene alongside Heath Ledger’s Joker, who taunts Stevens about killing his colleagues. Szarabajka briefly reprized his role in “The Dark Knight Rises” before playing Adam Engel in “Argo.” The actor has also lent his voice talents to several video games, and his last film role was in the 2023 movie “Art Thief.”

Although he only participated in 12 episodes, William Zabka had a fairly significant role as Robert McCall’s son, Scott. Zabka appeared throughout the series’ four seasons as McCall reconnected with his previously estranged son, increasingly bringing him into the vigilante fold for pay. Before “The Equalizer,” Zabka was already known for playing Johnny Lawrence, the rival of Daniel LaRusso’s Ralph Macchio, in 1984’s “The Karate Kid” — a role he briefly reprized in 1986’s “The Karate Kid.” Part Two” before that. Returning to the role after more than 30 years in the legacy sequel series “Cobra Kai.”

Between his original portrayal of Lawrence in 1984 and his final appearance as the character, Zabka not only found time to earn his black belt, but also continued to work as an actor, appearing in 1986’s “Back to School” and 1988’s “Tiger’s Tale.” While working on Predominantly in independent films for the next decade, Zabka maintained his desire to become a film director, and in 2002 he wrote and produced the short film “Most”, for which he received an award. Academy Award nomination in the live-action short film category.

Following his 2013 appearance on How I Met Your Mother, Zabka appeared as a fictionalized version of himself on a recurring basis in the sitcom’s ninth season. A small role in an episode of “Psych” and parts in other independent films preceded Zabka’s return to the role of Johnny Lawrence in 2018 for the first season of “Cobra Kai” — a role he would continue to play throughout the series’ six seasons. YouTube Red has turned into a Netflix show. But unfortunately, it looks like Zabka will not be a part of the upcoming film “The Karate Kid: Legends” Legacy sequel movie.