A rediscovered son. That's how Villanova del Battista in Irpinia, Campania, welcomed Ralph Macchio, who became a global icon with his role as Daniel LaRusso in Karate Kid, and whose paternal great-grandparents were originally from this small town.

“It’s incredibly moving for me to walk through the streets where my family originated. I exist because of this place, and sharing all of this with my children is a feeling I will never forget. I am deeply honored by the warmth I’ve received, and I will carry this day in my heart forever,” Macchio, visibly emotional, told the crowded audience that gathered for the ceremony in which he was awarded honorary citizenship.

“Here, there are such beautiful landscapes, it all seems fake, but it’s true cinema,” he concluded.

As of today, Ralph Macchio is officially a Villanovese: he received the keys to the city, a plaque dedicated to his family, and even a personalized jersey from U.S. Avellino.

In a subsequent meeting at the Multimedia Museum of Transhumance, Macchio reflected on his career, from his early days with Francis Ford Coppola to the upcoming chapter in the famous saga, soon to be in cinemas worldwide: Karate Kid: Legends, alongside Jackie Chan.

Indeed, it’s impossible not to dedicate the right amount of time and space to his role as Daniel-san: “The screenwriters had named him Dany Weber, but I asked for him to be called Daniel—a name I loved and, in fact, wanted to give to my son—and I especially wanted him to have an Italian surname. I wanted him to be Italian-American like me. I’m proud of my roots, and I’m happy that, thanks to these films, I’ve brought Italy to the world with a character that is different from the typical stereotypes, often negative. LaRusso and Gambini (Bill, the role Macchio played in My Cousin Vinny by Jonathan Lynn) are positive characters that inspire both young and old around the world.”