Key Takeaways:

– Jacob Bertrand, better known as Hawk from Netflix's “Cobra Kai”, resonates as a beacon of hope for young fans, particularly those with cleft palates.
– Bertrand has partnered with nonprofit Smile Train, becoming their first-ever youth celebrity ambassador.
– Despite not having a cleft palate himself, Bertrand shares a bond over shared experiences with bullying.
– The actor acknowledges the antagonistic tendencies of his character, but appreciates the impact Hawk's transformation has had on fans.

Jacob Bertrand Inspires Young Viewers

Jacob Bertrand, celebrated for his role as Hawk in the hit Netflix series Cobra Kai, has proved to be an uplifting figure for his young fans. Known initially as Eli Moskowitz, a timid, nerdy boy subject to bullying due to a scar from cleft lip surgery, Bertrand's character evolves remarkably upon joining Cobra Kai.

Although Hawk's character is on a antagonistic journey, Bertrand's portrayal has struck a chord with young audiences. They find his transition in the martial arts comedy-drama relatable and inspiring.

Bertrand's Impact on The Cleft Community

Bertrand's role has particularly resonated with young fans stricken with cleft palates. Speaking with Page Six, Bertrand shared how Hawk has become a real-life hero to many young fans facing the same disability.

The connection with these fans influenced Bertrand to team up with Smile Train, a non-profit aiming to fund surgeries for children with cleft lip and palate. Bertrand has become the first youth celebrity ambassador for the organization.

On engaging with Smile Train, Bertrand appreciated their dedication to the well-being and happiness of those affected. His association with the organization deeply impacted him as he came to understand the health issues and emotional burdens families and patients endure.

Bertrand Opens Up about Bullying

While Bertrand doesn't personally endure the challenges of a cleft palate, he empathizes with the victims of bullying in the cleft community due to his own experiences.

Sharing his personal experience, he admits that although it's not identical to what individuals with a cleft have been through, he understands the destructive impact that bullying can have on one's self-esteem and confidence.

The Role of Hawk – A Mixed Bag

Despite receiving much love for his on-screen avatar, Bertrand is well aware that Hawk's character invites severe criticism due to his antagonistic behavior. Nevertheless, he won't shy away from this honest portrayal, ready to return in the series finale which is slated for release in three different parts, each consisting of five episodes.

“Cobra Kai” is now streaming on Netflix. Through this series and his real-life actions, Jacob Bertrand has proven to be a beacon of inspiration for the young generation, encouraging them to stand tall against their struggles and confidently face their bullies. His charismatic portrayal combined with his compassion for those affected by cleft conditions solidify his status as a bona fide hero off-screen as well.