Robby Keene is one of the most complex and emotionally layered characters in the Karate Kid universe, brought to life in the Netflix series Cobra Kai. Introduced as a troubled teenager carrying deep resentment toward his absent father, Robby’s journey evolves into one of redemption, growth, and self-discovery. This article offers a detailed, long-form profile covering Robby Keene’s age, background, fictional net worth, family, relationships, work, and especially his complicated bond with his father, Johnny Lawrence.
Important note for readers: Robby Keene is a fictional character. Information such as age, work, family, relationships, and “net worth” is based on the in-story narrative and official series material commonly summarized on Wikipedia-style sources and fan databases.
Who Is Robby Keene? (Wikipedia-Style Overview)
Robby Keene, whose full name is Robert Swayze Keene, is a central character in Cobra Kai. He is portrayed by actor Tanner Buchanan and appears from Season 1 through the final season of the series. Robby is known for his natural athletic talent, emotional depth, and morally conflicted decisions.
On Wikipedia-style character summaries, Robby is described as:
- The estranged son of Johnny Lawrence
- A highly gifted karate student
- A former juvenile delinquent who struggles with identity and belonging
- One of the few characters trained in multiple karate philosophies
Robby’s arc mirrors the core theme of Cobra Kai: how trauma, mentorship, and choice shape who we become.
Robby Keene Age (In-Universe)
In the story timeline of Cobra Kai, Robby Keene is a teenager, roughly 16–18 years old during most of the series. Based on narrative clues and character timelines, his fictional birth year is often cited as around 2002.
His age is significant to the plot:
- He is legally a minor during key events such as school fights and juvenile detention
- His youth explains his impulsive behavior and emotional volatility
- His coming-of-age journey is central to the series’ emotional weight
Robby’s mistakes are framed not as villainy, but as the actions of a young person shaped by neglect, anger, and confusion.
Robby Keene Net Worth (Fictional Context)
Because Robby Keene is not a real person, there is no official or canonical net worth. However, within the Cobra Kai universe, Robby’s financial situation can be clearly described.
Robby’s Financial Status in the Series
- Raised in low-income conditions
- Lived in small apartments and unstable housing
- Had no trust fund, inheritance, or financial support from his father
- At times resorted to petty crime and odd jobs to survive
Unlike characters from wealthier families (such as the LaRussos), Robby represents the working-class and neglected youth experience. Any websites claiming a numeric net worth for Robby Keene are purely speculative and not supported by official material.
Work and Career: What Does Robby Keene Do?
Robby Keene does not have a traditional career due to his age, but his “work” in the series includes:
- Karate training and competition
- Temporary jobs during his teenage years
- Acting as a dojo leader and mentor to younger students in later seasons
Karate becomes Robby’s true calling. He trains under multiple dojos:
- Miyagi-Do Karate
- Cobra Kai
- Eagle Fang (indirectly)
By the end of the series, Robby is positioned as someone with a future in martial arts, whether as a competitor, instructor, or leader.
Robby Keene Family Background
Family is the emotional backbone of Robby Keene’s story. His struggles stem largely from a broken home and parental neglect.
Mother: Shannon Keene
Robby’s mother, Shannon Keene, is a flawed but loving character. She:
- Raised Robby mostly on her own
- Struggled with addiction and instability
- Often left Robby unsupervised
Her inability to provide a stable environment forced Robby to grow up too fast.
Father: Johnny Lawrence
Robby’s father is Johnny Lawrence, one of the most iconic characters in the Karate Kid franchise. Their relationship is one of the most emotionally intense arcs in Cobra Kai.
Robby Keene and Johnny Lawrence: A Complicated Father-Son Relationship
The relationship between Robby Keene and Johnny Lawrence is defined by:
- Abandonment
- Guilt
- Anger
- Gradual reconciliation
Johnny was absent for most of Robby’s childhood due to his own personal failures. As a result:
- Robby deeply resents Johnny
- He believes Johnny chose karate students over his own son
- He actively rejects Johnny’s attempts to reconnect
Ironically, Robby initially trains under Daniel LaRusso, Johnny’s former rival, which adds emotional tension.
Over time, the series allows both characters to grow:
- Johnny confronts his failures as a father
- Robby begins to see Johnny’s efforts as genuine
- Their reconciliation is slow, imperfect, but deeply human
By the later seasons, their bond becomes one of mutual respect rather than resentment.
Brothers and Sisters: Robby Keene’s Siblings
Half-Sister: Laura Lawrence
Later in the series, Johnny Lawrence starts a new family, which results in Robby gaining a younger half-sister. This development:
- Forces Robby to confront feelings of replacement and jealousy
- Eventually helps him mature and accept his role as an older brother
Stepbrother: Miguel Diaz
After Johnny’s relationship with Carmen Diaz, Robby becomes the stepbrother of Miguel Diaz.
This relationship is especially significant because:
- Miguel and Robby begin as bitter rivals
- Their rivalry is fueled by karate, romance, and Johnny’s divided attention
- Over time, they reconcile and form a respectful, brother-like bond
Their eventual friendship symbolizes the breaking of generational cycles of rivalry.
Romantic Relationships
Samantha LaRusso
Robby’s first major romantic relationship is with Samantha “Sam” LaRusso.
- Their relationship is sincere but strained
- Miscommunication and external conflicts lead to heartbreak
- Their breakup contributes to major plot turning points
Tory Nichols
Later, Robby forms a strong connection with Tory Nichols.
- Their relationship is built on shared trauma
- They understand each other’s anger and pain
- Though imperfect, it is one of Robby’s most emotionally honest bonds
Is Robby Keene Married?
No. Robby Keene is not married in Cobra Kai. As a teenage character, marriage is never part of his storyline. Any online claims about Robby Keene being married are fictional or fan-made.
Does Robby Keene Have Kids?
No. Robby Keene has no children in the official series canon. The storyline focuses on his growth from a troubled teen into a responsible young adult, not parenthood.
Personality and Character Development
Robby Keene stands out because he is:
- Emotionally complex
- Morally conflicted
- Capable of both compassion and violence
He is neither a hero nor a villain. His defining traits include:
- Loyalty to those who earn his trust
- Deep fear of abandonment
- Strong sense of justice, even when misguided
His journey reflects the consequences of neglect—and the power of second chances.
Legacy of Robby Keene in Cobra Kai
By the end of Cobra Kai, Robby Keene represents:
- Redemption without perfection
- Growth through accountability
- Healing generational trauma
He becomes a bridge between rival philosophies and rival families, proving that identity is shaped not by origin, but by choice.
Final Thoughts
Robby Keene’s story resonates because it feels real—even within a fictional karate drama. His struggles with family, identity, anger, and forgiveness mirror real-world experiences faced by many young people. As Cobra Kai concludes, Robby stands as one of the franchise’s most meaningful characters.
This in-depth article on Robby Keene is published for readers of angliatimes, where we explore detailed character histories, entertainment analysis, and pop-culture storytelling with clarity and depth.
