Chad McQueen, Actor and Son of Steve McQueen, Dies at 63

Chad McQueen, the son of legendary actor Steve McQueen, has passed away at the age of 63.

McQueen died Wednesday in Palm Springs, California, leaving behind a legacy in both the film industry and the world of motorsports, as Variety reports. 

The actor is best known for his role as Dutch in the iconic The Karate Kid films and for his deep involvement in professional racing.

McQueen was not only an actor but also a talented auto racer with a passion for high-performance cars. His career in entertainment, while shorter than his father’s, made an indelible mark on film audiences in the 1980s.

McQueen's Most Iconic Role

McQueen's portrayal of Dutch in The Karate Kid (1984) and The Karate Kid Part II (1986) left a strong impression on 1980s pop culture. His character, Dutch, was notorious for pushing Johnny Lawrence to escalate his bullying of Daniel LaRusso during their high school’s Halloween dance. This role highlighted McQueen’s ability to play a menacing, yet memorable, character that contributed to the tension leading up to the famous All-Valley Karate Tournament.

Although Dutch’s presence in the first two films was significant, the character was revealed to be in prison during the Cobra Kai television series. Due to scheduling conflicts, McQueen was unable to reprise his role, although fans still remember him as part of the original franchise.

A Career in Racing That Extended Beyond Film

Outside of his acting career, McQueen’s true passion lay in racing, a pursuit he likely inherited from his father, Steve McQueen, who was also an avid racer. Chad McQueen participated in several prestigious events, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring, solidifying his reputation as a skilled competitor in the world of motorsports.

In addition to his own racing achievements, McQueen founded McQueen Racing, a company dedicated to developing high-performance cars and motorcycles. This venture allowed him to combine his love for speed with his knowledge of mechanics, contributing to the motorsports world in a new way after stepping back from professional racing.

A Near-Fatal Crash That Ended His Racing Career

Tragically, McQueen’s professional racing career came to an abrupt end in 2006 when he was involved in a near-fatal crash during practice for the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway. This accident marked the end of his competitive racing days, but it didn’t dampen his passion for the sport. McQueen continued to be involved in motorsports, both through his company and other business ventures related to high-performance vehicles.

Despite the crash, McQueen remained an influential figure in the racing community. His commitment to the sport was further amplified by the legacy of his father, whose own love for racing left an indelible mark on his life.

A Life in Malibu, a Legacy of Family

Born on December 28, 1960, in Los Angeles, Chad McQueen grew up in Malibu, surrounded by the glamour of Hollywood and the fast pace of the racing world. While his acting career was not as expansive as his father’s, McQueen carved out his own path in the entertainment industry and found fulfillment in his motorsports ventures.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanie, and his three children, Chase, Madison, and Steven. The youngest, Steven McQueen, who is best known for his role in The Vampire Diaries, continues the family tradition of working in Hollywood. The McQueen family is united by a shared passion for both film and racing, which Chad passed on to his children.

A Family Reflects on His Life and Legacy

In a heartfelt statement, McQueen’s wife and children expressed their grief and admiration for the man who was both a loving husband and a devoted father. “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our father, Chad McQueen. His remarkable journey as a loving father to us, along with his unwavering commitment to our mother, truly exemplified a life filled with love and dedication," the family shared in a public statement.

They went on to highlight his passion for racing and how it allowed him to honor the legacy of his father, Steve McQueen. "His passion for racing not only highlighted his exceptional talent but also served as a way to honor his father’s legacy, a testament to the values instilled in him."

The family concluded by expressing their desire to continue Chad McQueen's legacy: "He passed his passion, knowledge, and dedication down to us, and we will continue not only his legacy but our grandfather’s as well."