Xolo Maridueña is an American actor born on June 9, 2001, in Los Angeles, California, known for his standout roles in both TV and film.
He is most recognized for playing Miguel Diaz in the Netflix series Cobra Kai, a continuation of the Karate Kid franchise, where he’s been a central figure since the show kicked off in 2018.
He also made history as Jaime Reyes, aka Blue Beetle, in the 2023 DC film Blue Beetle, marking the first time a Latino superhero led a live-action movie in that universe.
Parents
Xolo’s parents are Carmelita Ramirez-Sanchez and Omar G. Ramirez.
His mother, Carmelita, has a background in radio—she’s worked as a host and producer, including on shows like The Lounge on KJLH in Los Angeles.
His father, Omar, is a music producer and owns a recording studio called OGM Recording Studios.
Xolo’s heritage comes through them, with his mom being of Mexican descent and his dad having Cuban and Ecuadorian roots.
Career
Maridueña’s kicked off his acting journey in 2011 at age 10, quickly snagging roles in commercials and print ads, like a Sears catalog spot.
His first big break came in 2012 with NBC’s Parenthood, where he played Victor Graham, a recurring character that turned series regular over three seasons (2012–2015).
This role put him on the map, letting him work alongside seasoned actors and hone his craft early on.
In 2013, he made his film debut with a supporting role as Manny in Dealin’ with Idiots, a comedy directed by Jeff Garlin, and picked up guest spots in shows like Major Crimes and Rush Hour.
His career-defining moment arrived in 2018 with Cobra Kai, Netflix’s action-comedy series reviving The Karate Kid universe.
As Miguel Diaz, Johnny Lawrence’s first student, Xolo became a fan favorite, blending martial arts prowess (he performs many of his own stunts after training) with emotional depth.
The show’s success—running six seasons through 2025—catapulted him to wider fame, with critics and fans praising his chemistry with co-stars like William Zabka.
Alongside Cobra Kai, he explored voice acting, voicing Andres in Cartoon Network’s Victor and Valentino (2019–2022), Zaid in Cleopatra in Space (2020), and roles in Fast & Furious Spy Racers and Batwheels.
In 2023, Xolo hit a new milestone starring as Jaime Reyes in Blue Beetle, the first DC film led by a Latino superhero.
Despite the movie’s box-office struggles (partly due to the 2023 actors’ strike limiting promotion), his performance earned praise for its heart and authenticity, cementing his status as a trailblazer for Latino representation.
That same year, he dropped his debut single, “On My Way,” with Adriana Padilla, showing off his musical chops.
Looking ahead, he’s wrapped filming Killing Castro (slated for 2025) and joined the voice cast of The Smurfs Movie (2025), while talks of a Blue Beetle animated series swirl, hinting at more DC adventures.