From Dojo Rivals To Real-Life Romance: 7 Surprising Facts About Jacob Bertrand And Peyton List’s Relationship

The real-life romance between Cobra Kai co-stars Jacob Bertrand and Peyton List has captivated fans since they officially confirmed their relationship in March 2022. Unlike their on-screen counterparts, Eli "Hawk" Moskowitz and Tory Nichols, whose relationship was fraught with drama and karate rivalry, their off-screen connection is built on years of friendship and a shared history in the entertainment world. As of December 10, 2025, the couple remains strong, often sharing glimpses into their life together, from red carpet appearances to casual travel, cementing their status as one of Hollywood's most beloved young duos.

This article dives into the latest updates, explores their surprising history that predates the Netflix hit, and provides a complete breakdown of their careers that set the stage for their unique love story. Their journey from Disney Channel alums to martial arts rivals and finally to a committed couple is a fascinating narrative that adds a sweet layer to the legacy of the Karate Kid universe.

Complete Biography: Peyton List and Jacob Bertrand

Before they were the formidable Tory and the dynamic Hawk on Cobra Kai, both Peyton List and Jacob Bertrand had extensive careers as child and teen actors, primarily working with the Disney Channel and other major studios. This shared background is the foundation of their long-standing friendship and eventual romance.

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Peyton Roi List (Tory Nichols)

• Full Name: Peyton Roi List
• Date of Birth: April 6, 1998
• Place of Birth: Florida, U.S.
• Career Highlights: List began her career as a child model before transitioning to acting. Her breakout role was as Emma Ross in the Disney Channel series Jessie (2011–2015), and its spin-off Bunk'd (2015–2018). She also appeared in films like 27 Dresses and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Since 2019, she has been known globally for her role as Tory Nichols in Cobra Kai.
• Other Notable Roles: Laina Michaels in The Thinning film series, Seraphina in the series Lighthouse, and the main character in the movie Anthem of a Teenage Prophet.

Jacob Scott Thomas Bertrand (Eli "Hawk" Moskowitz)

• Full Name: Jacob Scott Thomas Bertrand
• Date of Birth: March 6, 2000
• Place of Birth: California, U.S.
• Career Highlights: Bertrand also started as a child actor, gaining recognition for his voice work and live-action roles. He starred as the title character in the Disney XD series Kirby Buckets (2014–2017) and played Jack Malloy in the Disney Channel Original Movie The Swap (2016). His most iconic role is Eli "Hawk" Moskowitz in the Netflix series Cobra Kai (2018–2025).
• Other Notable Roles: Marvin Forman in Marvin Marvin, Gil in Bubble Guppies (voice), and various roles in series like Community and Parks and Recreation.

The Secret Disney Past: How They Met Years Before Cobra Kai

One of the most surprising and endearing aspects of Peyton and Jacob’s relationship is that their connection is not a product of the Cobra Kai set, but rather a long-term friendship rooted in their shared past as Disney Channel stars.

Jacob Bertrand first met Peyton List when he was around 15 years old. At the time, they were both navigating the unique pressures of being young actors on major television networks. List was a star on Jessie and Bunk'd, while Bertrand was leading Kirby Buckets. Their paths crossed frequently in the tight-knit world of teen Hollywood.

Their first professional collaboration was the 2016 Disney Channel Original Movie, The Swap. In this body-swap comedy, they played lead roles, which required them to spend significant time together and build a strong rapport. This history meant that by the time they were cast in Cobra Kai, they were already close friends, a dynamic that allowed them to be incredibly comfortable and supportive of each other on the set of the intense martial arts drama.

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Bertrand has often spoken about this long-standing connection, noting that they were "best friends for a while" before their relationship turned romantic. This foundation of platonic friendship is often cited by fans as the reason their relationship seems so genuine and stable.

Relationship Timeline: From Rumors to Red Carpet Confirmation

The transition from "just friends" to a couple was a gradual process, but the public began to suspect a romance long before the official announcement. The couple’s timeline is marked by subtle social media tributes and supportive public appearances.

2019: Early Support and Growing Closeness

Even before the dating rumors began, Jacob showed support for Peyton’s career, attending the premiere of her film Anthem of a Teenage Prophet in 2019. This public appearance, while seemingly platonic at the time, was an early indicator of their deep bond.

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2022: Confirmation and Public Debut

Speculation reached a fever pitch in early 2022. For Jacob’s 22nd birthday on March 7, 2022, Peyton posted an adorable tribute on Instagram, fueling the rumors. Just a few weeks later, following a joint appearance at the Critics Choice Awards, the couple confirmed they were officially dating in an interview with TMZ.

Bertrand joked about the situation, saying, "We’ve been dating for a while. I’ve never dated anyone I’ve worked with before. This is almost trial by fire." List, for her part, simply called the experience "fun." Their official debut as a couple took place at the 39th annual PaleyFest LA, where they appeared together to promote Cobra Kai.

Latest Updates on the Couple in 2025 and Beyond

As Cobra Kai wrapped up its final season, the couple’s focus has shifted to new career paths and more time together. Their relationship remains a highly visible and celebrated part of their public lives.

A Post-Cobra Kai Muse

With the martial arts series concluding, Jacob Bertrand has been exploring new creative ventures, including writing and producing. He recently opened up about how Peyton has been a significant source of inspiration. Bertrand referred to List as his "muse," crediting her with encouraging him to take on new risks and challenges in his career. This shows a mature and supportive partnership that extends beyond their shared acting roles.

International Appearances and Fashion

In a sign of their continued presence in the celebrity world, the couple has been spotted at high-profile events internationally. They were seen together enjoying a day out in Paris, attending a Paris Fashion Week event. Peyton looked chic in a black lace dress, with Jacob by her side, demonstrating their commitment to supporting each other at major industry functions.

Working Together vs. Real Life

The dynamic between their characters, Tory Nichols and Eli Moskowitz (Hawk), was complex, involving rivalry, shifting loyalties, and intense karate battles. In real life, Jacob has expressed how much he enjoyed working with his girlfriend, noting that having her on set made the long shooting days of Cobra Kai easier and more enjoyable. Their ability to separate their on-screen drama from their off-screen connection is a testament to their professionalism and the strength of their relationship.

The enduring romance between Jacob Bertrand and Peyton List is a feel-good story for fans of the "Miyagi-verse." Their journey from childhood friends and Disney co-stars to a powerful Hollywood couple proves that sometimes, the best relationships are built on years of friendship and a shared history, even if they started out as rivals in the dojo.