Chad McQueen, 'The Karate Kid' Star and Son of Steve McQueen, Passes Away at 63

Chad McQueen, the son of legendary actor Steve McQueen and a notable actor and race car driver in his own right, has passed away. He died on Wednesday in Palm Springs, California, at the age of 63. His family, including his wife Jeanie and his children Chase and Madison, shared the news with the public, expressing their deep sorrow and reflecting on his life.

In a heartfelt statement to Variety, Chad McQueen’s family described him as a dedicated father and loving husband. They emphasized his passion for racing, which not only showcased his talent but also paid tribute to his father's legacy. The statement highlighted McQueen’s devotion to his family and his commitment to continuing both his own and his grandfather’s legacies. As the family navigates this difficult time, they have asked for privacy to remember and celebrate his extraordinary life.

Chad McQueen is perhaps best remembered for his role as "Dutch" in the classic 1984 film “The Karate Kid” and its 1986 sequel, “The Karate Kid Part II.” In these films, he portrayed one of the members of the Cobra Kai dojo, delivering an iconic performance that made a lasting impression on ’80s pop culture. His character was known for his tough demeanor and his role in encouraging Johnny Lawrence, played by William "Billy" Zabka, to bully the film’s protagonist, Daniel LaRusso, portrayed by Ralph Macchio. His role was a memorable part of the series, particularly in the Halloween dance scene and the All-Valley Tournament.

Despite his memorable role in “The Karate Kid,” Chad McQueen’s career in film was not as extensive as his father’s. After appearing in a few other films such as “New York Cop” (1993) and “Red Line” (1995), he shifted his focus more towards his true passion—auto racing. Following in his father’s footsteps, McQueen developed a significant career in motorsports, competing in prestigious events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring.

McQueen’s love for racing was evident in his professional career as well as his personal life. He founded McQueen Racing, a company dedicated to developing high-performance cars and motorcycles. This venture allowed him to continue the family tradition of excellence in the automotive world. His involvement in motorsports was a source of great pride and joy for him, reflecting his deep passion for cars and racing.

However, McQueen's racing career faced a significant setback in 2006 when he was involved in a near-fatal crash while preparing for the Rolex 24 event at Daytona International Speedway. Although he survived the crash, it effectively ended his professional racing career. Despite this, McQueen remained actively involved in the motorsports world through his company and other ventures, continuing to contribute to the field he loved so much.

Born on December 28, 1960, in Los Angeles, Chad McQueen was raised in Malibu. His upbringing in Southern California was marked by the influence of his iconic father, Steve McQueen, who was known for his roles in classic films like “Bullitt” and “The Great Escape.” Chad's own career and achievements, both in film and racing, carried forward his father’s legacy in their own unique way.

Chad McQueen is survived by his wife Jeanie and his children Chase, Madison, and Steven. Steven McQueen, Chad’s son, has followed in his family’s footsteps and is known for his role in the popular TV series “The Vampire Diaries.” The family’s continued presence in the entertainment industry and the world of racing is a testament to the lasting impact of Steve McQueen’s legacy and the ongoing contributions of his descendants.

As the McQueen family grieves their loss, they also celebrate Chad McQueen’s life and the many ways he touched those around him. His passion for racing, his memorable film roles, and his dedication to his family are all part of the legacy he leaves behind. In honoring his memory, his family continues to embrace the values he held dear and the contributions he made to both the film and racing worlds.