Chad McQueen, ‘Karate Kid’ movie star and son of Steve McQueen, dies at 63
Chad McQueen, an actor known for his performances in the Karate Kid movies and the son of the late actor and race car driver Steve McQueen, has died. He was 63.
Chad McQueen, actor known for his roles in the Karate Kid films and son of legendary actor and race car driver Steve McQueen, has passed away at the age of 63.
McQueen’s death was confirmed by his lawyer and friend, Arthur H. Barens, to The Associated Press on Wednesday. The cause of death has not been disclosed. His wife Jeanie and his children, Chase and Madison, shared the news in a heartfelt statement on McQueen's verified Instagram account, expressing their grief.
"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. His passion for racing not only highlighted his exceptional talent but also served as a way to honor his father’s legacy," the family wrote. "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 as they remember and celebrate McQueen’s life.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Chad McQueen pursued both acting and race car driving. He gained recognition for his role as Dutch, a key antagonist in 1984’s The Karate Kid and its 1986 sequel. Though he appeared in other films, including New York Cop, Squanderers, and Red Line, McQueen shifted his focus to racing and eventually founded McQueen Racing, a company specializing in custom cars, motorcycles, and accessories. His son, Chase, and daughter, Madison, now oversee the company.
In a 2005 interview with The Associated Press, McQueen explained his decision to leave acting for racing, stating, "I didn’t find acting fun anymore, so I decided to give racing a total commitment."
McQueen enjoyed a professional racing career, competing in prestigious events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona, but he retired after suffering multiple injuries. His work with McQueen Racing aimed to preserve and honor his father's legacy. He also produced two documentaries about his father: I Am Steve McQueen and Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans.
Chad McQueen was Steve McQueen’s only son with Neile Toffel, and he had one sister, Terry, who passed away in 1998 from respiratory failure at the age of 38. He is survived by his wife, Jeanie, and his three children: Chase, Madison, and Steven, an actor best known for his role in The Vampire Diaries.
