Chad McQueen, best known for his roles in The Karate Kid movies and as the son of legendary actor and race car driver Steve McQueen, has passed away at the age of 63.
His attorney and friend, Arthur H. Barens, confirmed the news on Wednesday, although the cause of death was not disclosed as per the Associated Press.
On Thursday, McQueen’s wife, Jeanie, and his children, Chase and Madison, shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram from Chad’s official account. “It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our father,” the statement read.
They reflected on his love for his family, his dedication to their mother, and his passion for racing, which he inherited from his father.
“He passed his passion, knowledge, and dedication down to us, and we will continue not only his legacy but our grandfather’s as well.”
The family has requested privacy during this difficult time as they “remember and celebrate his extraordinary life.”
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Following in His Father’s Footsteps
Chad McQueen built a career in both acting and racing, much like his father, Steve McQueen. He first gained fame playing Dutch, one of the antagonists in 1984’s The Karate Kid and its 1986 sequel.
While he starred in a few other films like New York Cop, Squanderers, and Red Line, McQueen’s true passion was racing.
In a 2005 interview, McQueen revealed, “I didn’t find acting fun anymore, so I decided to give racing a total commitment.” He went on to race professionally, competing in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona. Unfortunately, a series of injuries eventually forced him to step back from racing full-time.
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Preserving the McQueen Legacy
Chad’s dedication to racing didn’t end there. He founded McQueen Racing, a company focused on creating custom cars, motorcycles, and accessories, continuing to honor his father’s legacy. His children, Chase, who also races, and Madison, now help run the company.
In addition to racing, Chad produced two documentaries about his father: I Am Steve McQueen and Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans, which explored his father’s life and passion for racing.
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Family and Legacy
Chad McQueen was the only son of Steve McQueen and his first wife, Neile Toffel. He had one sister, Terry, who sadly passed away in 1998 at the age of 38. Chad is survived by his wife Jeanie and their three children, Chase, Madison, and Steven, the latter of whom is also an actor best known for his role in The Vampire Diaries.
Chad McQueen’s life was a remarkable blend of family, film, and fast cars, a tribute to both his personal passions and his father’s enduring legacy.