Jacob Bertrand has spent years honing his craft in Hollywood, but for many fans, he’ll always be Hawk—the tough, unpredictable, and ultimately redeemable fighter from Cobra Kai. Since joining the hit series in 2018, Bertrand has captivated audiences with his portrayal of Eli “Hawk” Moskowitz, a bullied teen who undergoes one of the show’s most dramatic transformations. Now, with Cobra Kai wrapping up its final season, Bertrand is stepping into a new phase of his career, and if his past work is anything to go by, he’s just getting started.
From Child Actor to Rising Star
Born on March 6, 2000, in Los Angeles, California, Bertrand was immersed in the entertainment industry from an early age. Unlike many actors who struggle for years to land a big break, Bertrand built an impressive résumé before even turning 18. His early career included voice work on Bubble Guppies, guest roles on hit shows like Community, and a stint in Nickelodeon’s Marvin Marvin. He later took center stage as the lead in Disney XD’s Kirby Buckets, proving that he had the charisma and comedic timing to carry a show.
While many young actors find themselves typecast after starring in children’s programming, Bertrand had different plans. He wanted to push his boundaries, take on grittier roles, and explore performances that left a lasting impact. His opportunity came when he auditioned for Cobra Kai, a sequel series to The Karate Kid that would soon become a global sensation.
The Role That Changed Everything
When Bertrand joined Cobra Kai, his character Eli Moskowitz was a shy, self-conscious high schooler with a cleft lip scar. But as the series progressed, Eli’s journey took a dramatic turn. Embracing the teachings of Cobra Kai, he reinvented himself as Hawk—a brash, confident fighter with a striking mohawk and a newfound sense of power. Over the course of six seasons, Hawk transitioned from bullied outcast to bully, and then back to a complex hero, making him one of the show’s most layered and unpredictable characters.
Bertrand fully committed to the role, undergoing extensive martial arts training to ensure his fight scenes looked authentic. His dedication paid off—Hawk became a standout in the series, earning Bertrand praise from fans and critics alike. The show, which started on YouTube Red before skyrocketing in popularity after moving to Netflix, gave Bertrand a platform to showcase his range as an actor.
Saying Goodbye to Hawk
With Cobra Kai coming to an end, Bertrand has had time to reflect on what the series has meant to him. In interviews, he has spoken about the friendships he formed with co-stars like Xolo Maridueña (Miguel), Peyton List (Tory), and Gianni DeCenzo (Demetri). Off-screen, he and Maridueña even launched their own podcast, Lone Lobos, where they discuss everything from pop culture to behind-the-scenes stories from Cobra Kai.
Though leaving Cobra Kai is bittersweet, Bertrand has expressed excitement for what’s next. He has shared in interviews that the experience has been incredibly rewarding, and that he’s eager to see where his career takes him next.
Exploring New Creative Avenues
Beyond acting, Bertrand has been exploring directing. He recently completed his first short film, a project he had been envisioning since high school. He has shared that it was a fast-paced but rewarding process, filmed in just one day with support from Cobra Kai’s stunt team.
Though he once considered attending film school, Bertrand ultimately opted for hands-on experience instead. However, he hasn’t ruled out further education, having mentioned that if he were to pursue a degree, architecture might be an appealing field.
The Future of Jacob Bertrand
So, what’s next for Bertrand? While he remains open to more action-packed roles, he’s also eager to explore different genres. He has expressed a strong interest in voice acting and hopes to be involved in anime dubbing, following projects like Gachiakuta closely.
Bertrand has also shown interest in working with directors he admires. He has mentioned Edgar Wright as one of his dream collaborators and has spoken highly of actors like Edward Norton, whose careers he respects.
And while Cobra Kai may be ending, Bertrand isn’t ruling out a return to the franchise in some form, stating in interviews that as long as a character’s story remains open-ended, there’s always a possibility for more.
A Career Just Getting Started
Jacob Bertrand’s journey from child star to Cobra Kai standout has been filled with hard work, unexpected opportunities, and an unwavering passion for storytelling. Now, as he steps into the next phase of his career, one thing is clear—whether he’s in front of the camera, behind it, or lending his voice to a new project, Bertrand is an artist who’s just beginning to spread his wings.
With his talent, work ethic, and enthusiasm, there’s no doubt he’ll continue to surprise and impress audiences for years to come.
