5 Shocking Real-Life Revelations From Tanner Buchanan And Mary Mouser: From Co-Stars To Engaged Couple

The real-life relationship between *Cobra Kai* co-stars Tanner Buchanan and Mary Mouser is the biggest plot twist the fandom never saw coming. For years, the two actors, who play rivals-turned-allies Robby Keene and Samantha LaRusso on the hit Netflix show, maintained they were "just friends," despite relentless fan speculation about a real-life romance. However, in a stunning and highly publicized announcement at the *Cobra Kai* series finale event in February 2025, the couple not only confirmed their dating status but also revealed they are engaged to be married. This "hard launch" of their relationship, complete with matching rings and a kiss on the red carpet, has sent shockwaves of excitement through the *Cobra Kai* community, proving that sometimes, the on-screen chemistry fans ship is a reflection of a deeper, real-life connection. This article dives deep into the couple's journey, their full biographies, and the details surrounding their surprise engagement.

Tanner Buchanan and Mary Mouser: The Complete Biography Profile

Before they became the internet’s favorite surprise couple, Tanner Buchanan and Mary Mouser were established actors with significant careers outside of the *Karate Kid* universe.

Tanner Buchanan (Robby Keene)

• Full Name: Tanner Emmanuel Buchanan
• Date of Birth: December 8, 1998
• Birthplace: Lima, Ohio, USA
• Career Highlights: Best known for his role as Robby Keene in *Cobra Kai*. He also starred as Leo Kirkman in the political conspiracy drama *Designated Survivor* and played Mason Kendall in the Nickelodeon series *Game Shakers*.
• Early Career: Moved to Los Angeles at age 9 to pursue acting.

Mary Mouser (Samantha "Sam" LaRusso)

• Full Name: Mary Matilyn Mouser
• Date of Birth: May 9, 1996
• Birthplace: Pine Bluff, Arkansas, USA
• Career Highlights: Gained widespread recognition as Samantha "Sam" LaRusso in *Cobra Kai*. She previously played Lacey Fleming in the ABC medical drama *Body of Proof*.
• Early Career: Began her career at age five, notably serving as a photo-double for Mel Gibson's daughter in the 2002 film *Signs*.

The Secret Love Story: From Co-Stars to Real-Life Engagement

The relationship between Tanner Buchanan and Mary Mouser is a classic Hollywood love story that unfolded quietly behind the scenes for years. Their characters, Robby Keene and Samantha LaRusso, have a complicated and often tumultuous on-screen dynamic, which only served to fuel the relentless "shipping" from the dedicated *Cobra Kai* fandom. The rumors of a real-life romance between the two began almost immediately after they met on the set of *Cobra Kai* around 2017. For years, both actors consistently denied the rumors, stating they were simply very close friends. Mary Mouser was previously in a long-term relationship with actor Brett Pierce, which further solidified the public perception that the two were just platonic co-stars. However, in the mid-2020s, fans began to notice the pair spending more and more time together, particularly after Tanner Buchanan's previous relationship ended. The shift from a very close friendship to a hidden real-life romance seems to have been a gradual, natural progression, culminating in the major announcement at the show's final premiere.

The Big Reveal: Engagement at the Cobra Kai Series Finale

The series finale event for *Cobra Kai* served as the perfect backdrop for the couple's shocking announcement. On Wednesday night, February 12, 2025, Tanner Buchanan and Mary Mouser walked the red carpet together, immediately drawing attention by sharing a kiss in front of the cameras—a clear and definitive confirmation of their dating status. The bigger surprise, however, was the matching diamond rings they proudly displayed. This gesture confirmed that the couple had not only transitioned from a secret romance to a public one but had also taken the monumental step of getting engaged. In a joint Instagram post the following day, the couple officially shared the news with their combined millions of followers, featuring photos from the event and a heartfelt caption about "closing of one chapter and celebrating the continuation of another." The post quickly went viral, becoming one of the most celebrated celebrity engagements of the year.

The "Cobra Kai" Love Connection: A Pattern of Co-Star Romance

Tanner and Mary are not the first *Cobra Kai* co-stars to find love on the set of the popular series, which is a spin-off of *The Karate Kid* franchise. The show has a surprising history of fostering real-life relationships, further cementing the close-knit nature of the cast. The most notable previous romance was between Peyton List (who plays Tory Nichols) and Jacob Bertrand (who plays Eli Moskowitz, a.k.a. Hawk). The two confirmed their relationship in 2022, though they had been friends for years prior to the show. Additionally, co-stars Hannah Kepple (Moon Taylor) and Xolo Maridueña (Miguel Diaz) also dated publicly for a period. The prevalence of real-life romance within the *Cobra Kai* cast highlights the intense and familial environment of the set, where long hours and shared passion for the project have led to deep, lasting connections.

What’s Next for Tanner and Mary Mouser?

With the final season of *Cobra Kai* now concluding the main story arc of the Miyagi-Do and Cobra Kai dojos, both Tanner Buchanan and Mary Mouser are moving on to new professional chapters. However, their personal lives are now more intertwined than ever. The couple has not yet released any details about their wedding plans, but their public confirmation of the engagement has opened the door for fans to follow their journey. Their love story is a beautiful example of a deep, years-long friendship evolving into a permanent romantic partnership, much to the delight of the *Cobra Kai* faithful who always hoped their on-screen chemistry would translate into a real-life happy ending. The continuation of their story is one that fans, the media, and the entire Hollywood community will be watching closely.