Long before Denzel Washington starred as the deadly Robert McCall in the “Equalizer” films, Edward Woodward played 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 life as a every day.
It’s a remarkably enduring formula that has not only spawned three Denzel-led films (with the fourth and fifth “Equalizer” films already confirmed), but also a reboot series starring Queen Latifah that’s already running for five full seasons. Each iteration of this franchise has brought something new, but none of them could have existed without the original series from co-creators Michael Sloan and Richard Lindheim.
There was a lot to love about the ’80s series, which took a simple premise and, with the help of Woodward and a rotating cast of A-list guest stars, turned it into a series that continues to resonate some 40 years after its debut. Sadly, we’ve since lost many of the actors who appeared in “The Equalizer,” with Woodward himself having passed away in 2009. As it stands, only a few main cast members from the original series are with us today.
Keith Szarabajka (Mickey Kostmayer)
Complementing his British co-star nicely, American actor Keith Szarabajka played Mickey Kostmayer in “The Equalizer.” A former Navy SEAL who joined The Company on the recommendation of Robert McCall, Kostmayer first appeared in Season 1, Episode 2, and remained a part of the series for all four seasons, with McCall contacting him for help. help with several of his works.
Kostmayer was Szarabajka’s first major television role after appearing in a single episode of “Miami Vice.” After his tenure on the CBS series, however, he continued to work steadily, landing small roles on other well-known shows such as “Law & Order,” “Babylon 5” and “Walker, Texas Ranger” throughout He also starred in a handful of films during the decade, but it wasn’t until the 2000s that he began appearing in more high-profile projects.
After playing 18th-century vampire hunter Daniel Holtz in 11 episodes of “Angel,” Szarabajka starred as Gotham detective Gerard Stephens in “The Dark Knight” (which is still somehow better than you give it credit for remember), where he had a memorable scene alongside Heath Ledger’s Joker, who mocks Stephens for killing his colleagues. Szarabajka briefly reprized the role in “The Dark Knight Rises” before playing Adam Engell in “Argo.” The actor has also lent his voice talents to several video games and his most recent film role was in 2023’s “Art Thief.”
William Zabka (Scott McCall)
Although he only appeared in 12 episodes, William Zabka played a fairly significant role as Robert McCall’s son, Scott. Zabka appeared throughout all four seasons of the series as McCall reconnected with his previously estranged son, bringing him more and more into the fold of his vigilante-for-hire business. Before “The Equalizer,” Zabka was already known for playing Johnny Lawrence, the rival of Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso, in 1984’s “The Karate Kid” — a role he briefly reprized in “The Karate Kid Part II.” from 1986 before returning to the role more than 30 years later for the legacy series “Cobra Kai.”
Between his original portrayal of Lawrence in 1984 and his more recent appearances as the character, Zabka not only found time to earn his black belt, but he also continued to work as an actor, appearing in 1986’s “Back to School.” and 1988’s “A Tiger’s Tale.” While working primarily in independent films over the next decade, Zabka maintained his desire to become a filmmaker, and in 2002 wrote and produced the short film “Most,” which earned an Academy Award nomination in the Live Action Short Film category.
After a 2013 appearance on “How I Met Your Mother,” Zabka appeared as a fictionalized version of himself recurring in season 9 of the sitcom. A small role in an episode of “Psych” and roles in other independent films preceded Zabka’s return as Johnny Lawrence in 2018 for the first season of “Cobra Kai” — a role he would play for all six seasons of YouTube Red became a Netflix show. Unfortunately, however, it appears that Zabka will not be part of the upcoming “Karate Kid: Legends” movie sequel.
