Chad McQueen, ‘The Karate Kid’ Star and Steve McQueen’s Son, Dies at 63

As a child of Hollywood royalty and the son of the iconic Steve McQueen, Chad McQueen‘s life was undeniably marked by the glitz and glamour of showbiz. Yet, it was his father’s unquenchable passion for racing that truly captivated him. His journey, a fascinating blend of screen success and high-octane adrenaline rushes, mirrored the very essence of his legendary pops.


63-year-old Chad McQueen, the son of iconic actor Steve McQueen, famously known for his role as “Dutch” in the “Karate Kid” movie franchise, passed away on Wednesday in Palm Springs.

“Chad McQueen’s family – wife Jeanie and children Chase and Madison – released a statement saying that Chad had passed away. They expressed that he was a loving father to them, and his devotion to their mother showed the depth of his love and dedication. Additionally, they mentioned that Chad’s passion for racing demonstrated his exceptional talent, but it also served as a tribute to his father’s legacy, reflecting the values he had been taught.

He imparted his fervor, expertise, and devotion onto us, and we will carry on not just his but our grandfather’s legacy. As a family, we must journey through this challenging period, and we humbly request privacy as we honor and commemorate his extraordinary life.

McQueen is most recognized for his performance as “Dutch” in the 1984 film “The Karate Kid” and its sequel, “The Karate Kid Part II” (1986). His portrayal of one of the Cobra Kai members made a significant impact on ’80s popular culture. Remarkably, his character showcased a ruthless demeanor and incited Johnny Lawrence (played by William “Billy” Zabka) to viciously attack Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) during the Halloween dance that fateful night.

In the narrative I’m part of, I too encounter a character who belittles and intimidates me prior to the All-Valley Tournament, similar to what happens in the second season of “Cobra Kai.” It turns out that this individual, Dutch, had been imprisoned. There were whispers about McQueen making an appearance on the show, but it seemed scheduling conflicts hindered this from happening.

Although he would continue to appear in other films, such as “New York Cop” (1993) and “Red Line” (1995), his film career was not as extensive as his father’s. Following in his father’s footsteps, however, McQueen had a successful career in auto racing, his true passion. He competed professionally in events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring and founded McQueen Racing, a company that develops high-performance cars and motorcycles, continuing the family legacy of passion for automobiles.

In 2006, Steve McQueen experienced a life-threatening accident during practice runs for the Rolex 24 race at Daytona International Speedway. Despite overcoming this incident, it marked the end of his active professional racing career. However, he has continued to be connected with motorsports through his company and various other projects.

McQueen was born in Los Angeles on Dec. 28, 1960. He was raised in Malibu.

He leaves behind his spouse, Jeanie, as well as his children, Chase, Madison, and Steven. Notably, he was a skilled actor who became popular for his part in the TV series “The Vampire Diaries.

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2024-09-13 00:46