Sean Kanan

Born Sean Perelman on November 2, 1966, in Cleveland, Ohio, Sean Kanan’s career in entertainment spans several decades, encompassing acting, producing, and writing. His acting journey began notably in 1989 when he was cast as Mike Barnes in “The Karate Kid Part III” after an open call led by Oscar-winning director John Avildsen. This role established him as a recognizable figure in cinema. Kanan later transitioned to television, taking on iconic roles such as A.J. Quartermaine on “General Hospital” from 1993 to 1997, where his portrayal earned him a nomination for Outstanding Newcomer by Soap Opera Digest. He continued his presence in daytime television as Deacon Sharpe on “The Bold and the Beautiful” starting in 2000, a character that evolved from a villain to a central figure in continuous storylines.

Kanan’s career progressed with a balance of acting, writing, and producing. He co-hosted a celebrity parenting radio show, “Kanan’s Rules,” and authored books like “The Modern Gentleman; Cooking and Entertaining with Sean Kanan” (2011) and “Success Factor X” (2019), co-written with Jill Liberman. In 2021, he published “Way of the COBRA,” a motivational book. A significant turning point was his creation of “Studio City” in 2019, an Emmy Award-winning digital drama series for which he served as executive producer and lead actor, also earning a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor himself. This project allowed him to explore themes relevant to the entertainment industry, including ageism and gender identity. Kanan reprised his role as Mike Barnes in the fifth season of “Cobra Kai,” connecting his early career to a modern audience.

Beyond his work in entertainment, Kanan is recognized for his advocacy and personal engagements. He is an active supporter of anti-bullying initiatives as an Ambassador for Boo 2 Bullying, and he contributes to charities like the American Cancer Society and Project Angel Food. He has also participated in tours with the USO, entertaining troops in Bosnia. Kanan’s influence extends to motivational speaking, where he shares insights drawn from his diverse experiences, encapsulated in his ‘Way of the COBRA’ philosophy, which emphasizes character, optimization, balance, respect, and abundance. In 2016, his contributions to the arts were recognized with the 400th star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars.