Gianni DeCenzo is a 24-year-old American actor born October 27, 2001, best known for playing Demetri Alexopoulos across all six seasons of Netflix's Cobra Kai (2018–2025).
Gianni DeCenzo is one of Gen Z's most recognisable faces in martial arts television. He joined Cobra Kai at just 16 years old and grew with the show for seven years — appearing in all 58 episodes.
As of 2026, with Cobra Kai now concluded, fans are searching for what comes next.
This guide covers everything: his real age, height, girlfriend Melissa Rivera, net worth, family story, career timeline, and what he's doing in 2026. Let's get into it.
Gianni DeCenzo Quick-Reference Bio Table (2026)
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Gianni DeCenzo |
| Date of Birth | October 27, 2001 |
| Age (2026) | 24 years old |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian White |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Weight | ~143 lbs (65 kg) |
| Eye Colour | Hazel |
| Hair Colour | Dark brown (wavy) |
| Relationship | Girlfriend: Melissa Rivera (since 2019) |
| Net Worth | ~$2 million (2026 estimate) |
| Known For | Demetri Alexopoulos, Cobra Kai (2018–2025) |
| Social Media | @gianni_decenzo (Instagram, 680K+ followers) |
Who Is Gianni DeCenzo?
Gianni DeCenzo is an American actor, content creator, and artist. He rose to fame through his portrayal of Demetri Alexopoulos — the lovably nerdy, sharp-witted karate student in Cobra Kai, Netflix's hit sequel to the iconic Karate Kid films.
What makes Gianni's story compelling isn't just his role. It's the arc. He started as an unpaid student film actor doing pro bono work. By the time Cobra Kai ended in February 2025, he had appeared in 58 episodes and was a core cast member alongside Ralph Macchio and William Zabka. That's a serious journey for someone still only 24.
If you enjoy reading about rising stars from young casts, you might also find the biography of Pyper Braun another young American actress — an interesting read.
How Old Is Gianni DeCenzo? (Age in 2026)
Gianni DeCenzo is 24 years old in 2026.
- Born: October 27, 2001
- Birthplace: Los Angeles, California
- Zodiac: Scorpio ♏
He was just 16 years old when he first filmed Cobra Kai Season 1 in 2017. The production team even had to follow strict child labour rules about how long he could stay on set each day — a detail Gianni himself has shared in interviews. He turned 18 during the show's early run and matured fully on screen.
How Tall Is Gianni DeCenzo? Height, Weight & Physical Stats
- Height: 6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 143 lbs / 65 kg
- Build: Slim, toned
- Eyes: Hazel
- Hair: Dark brown, thick and wavy
His height is one of the most searched facts about him — and there's actually some discrepancy online. Some sources list him at 5'11", others at 6'0". The most commonly cited and up-to-date measurement is 6 feet even (183 cm), consistent with his appearance alongside taller cast members like Tanner Buchanan.
Early Life & Family Background
Gianni's story starts with a family built around creativity and compassion.
Key family facts:
- Parents: Names not publicly disclosed (referred to as Mr. and Mrs. DeCenzo). They met in an acting class — which explains a lot.
- Parents' work: They run a Respite Agency in California, primarily providing care for people with developmental disabilities.
- Brother: Anthony DeCenzo — older brother, on the Autism Spectrum, and manages severe OCD.
- Home area: Santa Clarita Valley, California
Gianni has spoken openly about how his brother Anthony shaped him as a person and as an actor. In one early role, Gianni drew on Anthony's real-life autistic traits to play a young schizophrenic character — an experience he describes with both care and gratitude.
His parents' passion for the arts gave Gianni the nudge he needed. At just 8 years old, he walked up to his mother and asked when he could be on TV. She took a few photos in their backyard, sent them off, and secured him immediate representation. That's a pretty remarkable story.
Health note: At age 13–15 (accounts vary slightly), Gianni was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes — something he has described as one of the scariest experiences of his life. He manages it while maintaining an active career and physical fitness routine.
Gianni DeCenzo's Career Timeline
Early Career (2011–2017)
Gianni worked hard to build a résumé from scratch — often for free.
| Year | Project | Role |
| 2011 | The Lucky One (short film) | Jonathan Prescott |
| 2012 | Dark Wall | Minor role |
| 2013 | The Middle | Guest role |
| 2013 | Eagleheart | Butch McCallister |
| 2014 | Back in the Game, Fartcopter | Various |
| 2015–2016 | 100 Things to Do Before High School | Arthur Pickwickle |
| 2019–2020 | Coop and Cami Ask the World | Caleb Williger |
His very first paid acting job was a commercial for a non-union insurance company — where he performed alongside a 6,000-pound juvenile elephant named Suzy. That's one of the more unusual acting debuts you'll come across.
Cobra Kai (2018–2025): His Defining Role
This is where everything changed.
- Character: Demetri Alexopoulos — Miyagi-Do's resident intellectual, initially reluctant to fight but growing into a genuinely capable martial artist
- Seasons: 1–6 (all seasons, all 58 episodes)
- Promoted to series regular: Season 2
- Final episode aired: February 13, 2025
Demetri's arc resonated deeply with audiences because he represented the "underdog who finds his confidence" journey — not through brute strength, but through persistence and smarts. That authenticity is a big part of why Gianni's performance earned the character such a devoted fanbase.
Post-Cobra Kai Projects
- NCIS (2022) — Guest role as Owen
- NCIS: Los Angeles (2023) — Guest role as Luke Austin
- He's Watching You (2024) — Role as Cavalli
- Adult Cartoon Series (in development) — Gianni co-wrote a pilot alongside Cobra Kai co-star Mary Mouser
That last point is significant. It shows Gianni isn't just waiting for the next acting gig — he's actively developing original content, which is the mark of a creator with long-term vision.
For fans interested in other young actors navigating career transitions after major series, the story of Brodie Townsend — the Heartbreak High star returning for new projects in 2026 — makes for a compelling comparison.
Gianni DeCenzo's Net Worth (2026)
Estimated net worth: $2 million (as of 2026)
Here's how that breaks down:
| Income Source | Contribution |
| Cobra Kai (58 episodes, 2018–2025) | Primary income driver |
| Guest TV roles (NCIS, NCIS: LA) | Additional earnings |
| Brand endorsements (Sears, Geico, Honda, Subway, more) | Supplementary |
| Social media / content creation | Growing income stream |
| Video game voice work (Cobra Kai video games, 2020 & 2022) | Residuals |
Celebrity Net Worth places his figure at $2 million, which aligns with what a cast member of a major Netflix series with 58 episodes would realistically earn over seven years. He's not in the same bracket as the show's leads (Ralph Macchio, William Zabka), but for a 24-year-old actor who started from zero, it's a solid foundation.
Gianni DeCenzo's Girlfriend: Who Is Melissa Rivera?
Gianni DeCenzo is in a relationship with Melissa Rivera, a beauty pageant competitor and social media influencer.
Key facts about their relationship:
- Started dating: November 2019
- Melissa's birthday: April 8, 2001 (same year as Gianni)
- Melissa's background: Born in Richmond; beauty pageant title holder; influencer with a growing Instagram following
- Relationship status (2026): Still together; no reports of marriage or engagement as of early 2026
Gianni went public with their relationship on their first anniversary in November 2020, posting multiple photos to Instagram with the caption referencing "the best year ever." The relationship has continued through the end of Cobra Kai and into 2026 — a genuine, long-standing partnership for two people in their early twenties.
He is not married and has no children as of 2026.
Gianni DeCenzo's Personality, Hobbies & Fun Facts
What's he actually like beyond the screen? Here's the fuller picture:
- 🎮 Loves Minecraft — has said that if he weren't an actor, he'd be an engineer
- 🦒 Favourite animal: Giraffe
- 📺 Favourite show: Friends (the classic sitcom)
- 🐕 Has a dog named Bartleby
- 🔪 Collects knives — a surprising hobby for the actor behind Cobra Kai's most bookish character
- 🎨 Visual artist — regularly shares sketches on Instagram
- ✈️ Hobbies: Travelling and learning new things
- 👕 Style: Casual — favours flannel jackets and jeans day-to-day, suits for red carpet events
- 🎙️ Guest on the Lone Lobos podcast hosted by Cobra Kai co-stars Jacob Bertrand and Xolo Maridueña
- 🍰 Appeared on Netflix's Nailed It in a Cobra Kai-themed episode alongside Mary Mouser
He also has Type 1 Diabetes and manages it actively. This is worth noting because he takes on physically demanding roles — and he doesn't shy away from the reality of his condition in public.
Gianni DeCenzo on Social Media (2026)
| Platform | Handle | Followers (approx.) |
| @gianni_decenzo | 680,000+ | |
| TikTok | @gianni_decenzo | 2 million+ |
| Twitter/X | @GianniDecenzo | 18,000+ |
His Instagram is the best place to follow his work — he posts art, behind-the-scenes content, and personal life updates. His TikTok grew significantly during Cobra Kai's Netflix run.
What Is Gianni DeCenzo Doing in 2026?
With Cobra Kai having wrapped its final episodes on February 13, 2025, the question everyone is asking is: what's next?
Here's what we know as of March 2026:
- The adult animated series pilot he co-developed with Mary Mouser is the most notable upcoming creative project
- He appeared in the 2024 project He's Watching You, signalling continued screen work
- The Cobra Kai complete series Blu-ray set is being released in March 2026, keeping the franchise in the public eye
- He continues building his social media presence as a creator and influencer
The Karate Kid franchise itself is continuing — Karate Kid: Legends was released in May 2025 — though Gianni's character Demetri is tied specifically to the Cobra Kai continuity. Whether he'll appear in future Karate Kid projects remains an open question.
For context on how other young entertainers manage major career transitions, the biography of Jungwon of ENHYPEN — who is navigating his own post-debut growth phase at 22 — offers an interesting parallel from the music world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How old is Gianni DeCenzo in 2026? Gianni DeCenzo is 24 years old. He was born on October 27, 2001.
How tall is Gianni DeCenzo? He is 6 feet tall (183 cm), with a slim, toned build.
Who is Gianni DeCenzo's girlfriend? His girlfriend is Melissa Rivera, a beauty pageant competitor and influencer. They have been together since November 2019.
Is Gianni DeCenzo married? No. As of 2026, Gianni DeCenzo is not married and has no children.
What is Gianni DeCenzo's net worth? His net worth is estimated at approximately $2 million in 2026, primarily from his role in Cobra Kai.
What character does Gianni DeCenzo play in Cobra Kai? He plays Demetri Alexopoulos, a Miyagi-Do student known for his wit, sarcasm, and growing confidence over six seasons.
Does Gianni DeCenzo have diabetes? Yes. He was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in his early teenage years and manages it while maintaining an active acting career.
What is Gianni DeCenzo doing after Cobra Kai? He is developing an original adult animated series with co-star Mary Mouser and continuing to take on guest roles in TV shows.
References
- IMDb — Gianni DeCenzo: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4683059/ (rel="nofollow")
- Celebrity Net Worth — Gianni DeCenzo Net Worth: https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-celebrities/actors/gianni-decenzo-net-worth/ (rel="nofollow")
- What's on Netflix — Interview with Gianni DeCenzo: https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/interview-with-cobra-kai-actor-gianni-decenzo/ (rel="nofollow")
- Wikipedia — Cobra Kai: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cobra_Kai (rel="nofollow")
- The Karate Kid Wiki — Gianni DeCenzo: https://thekaratekid.fandom.com/wiki/Gianni_Decenzo (rel="nofollow")
- TheBiography.org — Gianni DeCenzo Wiki: https://thebiography.org/gianni-decenzos-wiki-age-height-girlfriend-net-worth-parents/ (rel="nofollow")
- FamousFix — Gianni DeCenzo Profile: https://www.famousfix.com/topic/gianni-decenzo (rel="nofollow")