Chad McQueen, ‘Karate Kid’ Star and Son of Hollywood Legend Steve McQueen, Dies at 63
Chad McQueen, the only son of late Hollywood icon Steve McQueen and a notable actor in his own right, has passed away at the age of 63. McQueen, best known for his role as Dutch in the popular “Karate Kid” films, died on September 11, 2024, at his home in Palm Desert, California. The cause of death was confirmed as organ failure, a result of complications from an injury he sustained in 2020.
McQueen’s passing was confirmed by his longtime attorney, Arthur Barens, and was announced via a heartfelt statement posted on social media by his wife, Jeanie, and his children, Chase and Madison. The statement read, “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.”
Born on December 28, 1960, Chadwick Steve McQueen followed in his father’s footsteps, delving into both acting and race car driving. He first gained fame for his portrayal of Dutch, a prominent character in the “Karate Kid” franchise, which includes the 1984 original film and its 1986 sequel, “The Karate Kid II.” Despite his impactful role in the franchise, McQueen later chose to focus more on his passion for racing, a field where he made significant strides and achieved considerable success.
In addition to his film roles, McQueen was a dedicated professional racer. He competed in prestigious events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring. His racing career, however, was cut short after a severe crash in 2006 while preparing for the Daytona International Speedway’s Rolex 24 race. The accident ended his professional racing career but did not diminish his passion for the sport.
McQueen’s contributions extended beyond his personal achievements. In 2010, he founded McQueen Racing, a company that continues to thrive under the management of his children. The company specializes in high-performance cars and motorcycles, reflecting McQueen’s commitment to both his father’s legacy and his own enduring passion for racing.
He also made significant efforts to preserve his father’s legacy through the production of two documentaries: “I Am Steve McQueen” (2014) and “Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans” (2015). These films explored the life and career of his father, ensuring that the legend of Steve McQueen continued to inspire new generations.
In addition to his work in film and racing, Chad McQueen had a few other notable film roles, including appearances in “New York Cop” (1993) and “Red Line” (1995). Despite these roles, he found his true calling in racing, which allowed him to honor his father’s legacy in a unique and personal way.
McQueen is survived by his wife Jeanie, his children Chase and Madison, and his son from a previous marriage, actor Steven R. McQueen, known for his roles in “The Vampire Diaries” and “Chicago Fire.” His family has asked for privacy as they navigate this difficult time and celebrate the life of Chad McQueen, whose impact on both the entertainment and racing worlds will be remembered and cherished.