“Saturday Night Live” star Bill Hader has once again offered behind-the-scenes insight into Hollywood’s less glamorous moments. On the latest episode of the WTF with Marc Maron podcast, Hader, 47, recounted a bizarre and humiliating day more than a decade ago, spent chauffeuring seasoned actor Martin Kove, 78, to a film set. The anecdote sheds light on the sometimes capricious behavior experienced by Hollywood newcomers, and offers context for the recent fan-convention incident in which Kove was accused of biting his co-star Alicia Hannah-Kim.
Background of the Encounter
In 2013, a very young Bill Hader was working as a driver, tasked with ferrying actors to various Los Angeles sets. It was during this time that Hader first crossed paths with Martin Kove, best known for his role as sensei John Kreese in The Karate Kid films and the Netflix series Cobra Kai. Tasked with picking Kove up for a day of shooting, Hader believed it would be a routine assignment—until Kove inexplicably led him astray.
Hader’s Recollection of Getting Lost
“I’m driving him around in my shitty car, and he got me lost on purpose,” Hader recalled. According to the “Barry” star, Kove admitted he hadn’t read the script and deliberately gave him the wrong directions. As a result, they arrived late to set, prompting Hader’s boss to unleash a torrent of abuse on the young driver.
Hader described the immediate aftermath as “a terrible day,” but he had no idea that things were about to get even worse.
A McDonald’s “Mind Fk”**
On the drive back, under the cloak of night, Kove feigned concern. “‘Bill, are you mad at me?’” Hader remembered the actor asking. Then, unexpectedly, Kove directed him to pull into a McDonald’s drive-thru, promising to share a cookie and milkshake as a peace offering.
Hader sat in the passenger seat as Kove ordered—a gesture that seemed conciliatory. But moments later, Kove returned carrying the chocolate cookie and milkshake, took a bite of the cookie in full view, and settled back into the car without offering a single taste. “It was the biggest fk you,” Hader said, describing the moment as a surreal blend of generosity and cruelty. “It was a weird mind fk of, like, ‘I’m gonna get you this thing,’ and then he ate it in front of me. And then I just drove home in silence.”
Continuing the Assignment
Despite the humiliating experience, Hader found himself obligated to continue driving Kove for several more days. He admitted that he never addressed the incident directly. “I didn’t talk to him after that,” Hader said. “I just kind of stared straight ahead.” For a young actor on the periphery of the industry, challenging a Hollywood veteran simply wasn’t an option.
Reflections on Hollywood’s Initiation Rites
Hader framed the incident as his first taste of Hollywood’s notorious initiation rituals. “Welcome to Hollywood, kid,” he quipped. While the experience left a lasting impression, Hader also acknowledged that people have off days. He learned that farther along in Kove’s personal life, the actor was undergoing a divorce. “He might be a really nice guy, but I just … rubbed him the wrong way. I don’t know what was going on.”
Recent Allegations Against Kove at Fan Convention
Fast-forward to June 2025: Kove once again found himself at the center of controversy. At the Washington State Summer Con, actress Alicia Hannah-Kim—who portrayed Kim Da-Eun in seasons five and six of Cobra Kai—alleged that Kove bit her arm during a fan-meet event. According to a police report obtained by People magazine, Hannah-Kim tapped Kove on the shoulder to greet him at their booth when he responded with an unexpected bite.
When questioned by authorities, Kove reportedly admitted to the act but insisted it was meant in jest. “He thought he was being funny, and they play fight all the time on the set of Cobra Kai, and he did not think it was a big deal,” the report stated. Hannah-Kim declined to press charges, but the convention organizers escorted Kove out of the venue.
In response, Kove issued a public apology via TMZ:
“I deeply regret and apologise for my actions regarding the incident with Alicia, a genuinely kind and wonderful person who didn’t deserve to be put in this position.”
Industry Reaction and Reputation
Kove’s behavior at Washington State Summer Con has reignited discussions about boundaries, consent, and professional conduct in fandom spaces. Actors often navigate a delicate balance between playfulness with colleagues and respect for fans. While many have come to Kove’s defense—citing his decades of charitable appearances and mentorship of younger performers—others argue that playful physicality has no place outside of the controlled environment of a closed set.
Hader’s anecdote from 2013 adds nuance to the conversation. It suggests that Kove’s unpredictable behavior may not be an isolated incident. However, Hader himself has tempered any inclination to pass lasting judgment. “He might be a really nice guy,” he said, “but I just … rubbed him the wrong way.”
The Bigger Picture: Power Dynamics in Hollywood
Hader’s story speaks to the broader power dynamics in the entertainment industry. Early-career professionals often find themselves at the mercy of established stars, with little recourse when mistreated. Initiation rites, pranks, and hazing—common in other industries such as corporate or academic—seem to have their parallels in Hollywood culture.
The McDonald’s cookie incident stands out not just for its cruelty, but for the way it underscored the stress and isolation often experienced by newcomers. Hader’s silence in the face of mistreatment reflects a self-preservation instinct: conform, endure, and hope the ordeal passes quickly.
Looking Forward: Learning From the Past
Bill Hader has since become one of Hollywood’s most respected comedians and actors, earning accolades for his work on Barry, Saturday Night Live, and numerous films. Reflecting on his early career, he’s spoken candidly about the mistakes he’s made and the lessons he’s learned. His decision to share the McDonald’s incident on Marc Maron’s podcast is part of his broader commitment to transparency about the ups and downs of a career in entertainment.
For Martin Kove, the period of public scrutiny may serve as an opportunity to address past behaviors and rebuild trust with co-stars and fans alike. Kove has a storied career that spans decades, and many in the industry believe that a sincere apology and mindfulness about personal boundaries can help him move beyond these controversies.
Conclusion
The bizarre encounter between Bill Hader and Martin Kove offers a candid glimpse into the hazing rituals and power imbalances that persist in Hollywood. Hader’s willingness to recount such a humiliating experience underscores his authenticity and generosity as an artist. Meanwhile, the recent allegations against Kove highlight the need for clearer standards of conduct—both on set and at fan events.
Whether Kove’s McDonald’s stunt and fan-convention biting incident represent isolated lapses or a pattern of behavior, they serve as a reminder that kindness, respect, and empathy should guide interactions in every corner of the entertainment world. As both men continue their respective careers, their shared history offers lessons for newcomers and veterans alike: that even in an industry built on make-believe, genuine decency is always in style.
