Chad McQueen, Hollywood legend Steve McQueen’s son and acclaimed for his role in “The Karate Kid” series, has passed away at 63. The actor and ardent racing aficionado died on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at his ranch in Palm Desert, California. His death was due to organ failure after complications from a fall in 2020.
The McQueen family made his passing public on social media, speaking of his life as an extraordinary journey filled with devotion and love. They highlighted his fervor for racing, a talent that also became a means to pay tribute to his father’s legacy.
“He passed his passion, knowledge and dedication down to us and we will continue not only his legacy but our grandfathers as well,” the family expressed on Instagram.
As the offspring of Steve McQueen, Chad was born into Hollywood royalty and followed his father’s path into acting and auto racing.
With a career spanning over 20 years, Chad McQueen appeared in 26 films and television shows. His first on-screen role was as a skateboarder in the 1978 sports drama “Skateboard.” He starred in several films throughout his career, including “New York Cop,” “Martial Law,” and “Red Line.”
His portrayal of Dutch in “The Karate Kid” (1984) and “The Karate Kid Part II” (1986) garnered him much recognition. In these films, his character tormented Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso, contributing significantly to the franchise’s enduring popularity.
Although acting was a considerable part of his life, McQueen’s true passion was auto racing, a love he inherited from his father. He began his racing career at the young age of 10, clinching his first victory in a children-only Le Mans event set up on the set of his father’s 1971 film “Le Mans.”
McQueen, as he matured, pursued professional racing, competing in the Sports Car Club of America series. His racing career, however, ended prematurely in 2006 following a crash at Daytona International Speedway.
Despite this setback, McQueen’s love for racing remained undiminished. He established McQueen Racing, a company specializing in high-performance cars and motorcycles. Now under the stewardship of his children Chase and Madison, the company continues his legacy in the automotive sphere.
Throughout his life, Chad McQueen strived to preserve and extend his father’s legacy. He produced two documentaries about his renowned father: “I Am Steve McQueen” and “Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans.” These projects offered him the opportunity to share his unique insights on the Hollywood legend with the world.
McQueen is survived by his mother, Neile Adams, his second wife, Jeanie, and his children Chase, Madison, and Steven. His son Steven has also upheld the family tradition, gaining recognition as an actor for his roles in “The Vampire Diaries” and its spinoff “Legacies.”
The McQueen family requested privacy during this challenging time as they mourn Chad’s extraordinary life. They suggested that those wishing to pay tribute to his memory could make a donation to Boys Republic, an organization dedicated to providing assistance and a home for underprivileged children.
