Chad McQueen, the son of film legend Steve McQueen and notable for his role in “The Karate Kid”, passed away on September 11, 2024 at the age of 63. His death occurred at his Palm Desert, California, ranch due to organ failure, resulting from complications of a fall in 2020.
The news of his death was announced by McQueen’s family on social media. They described his life as a “remarkable journey” filled with dedication and love and highlighted his affection for racing. This passion was not only a reflection of his talent but also a 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,” said the family in an Instagram post.
Being the son of Steve McQueen, Chad was born into Hollywood royalty and followed his father’s path, carving out careers in both acting and motorsports.
Chad McQueen’s acting career included roles in 26 films and TV shows over more than two decades. His first on-screen role was as a skateboarder in the 1978 sports drama “Skateboard.” His career included roles in various films such as “New York Cop,” “Martial Law,” and “Red Line.”
He gained widespread recognition for his role as Dutch in “The Karate Kid” (1984) and “The Karate Kid Part II” (1986). In these films, McQueen’s character often troubled Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso, adding to the franchise’s ongoing popularity.
While acting was an essential part of his life, McQueen’s true love was car racing, a passion inherited from his father. His racing career started when he was just 10, winning his first race in a children-only Le Mans event on the set of his father’s 1971 film “Le Mans.”
As he matured, McQueen continued with professional racing, participating in the Sports Car Club of America series. However, a crash at Daytona International Speedway in 2006 abruptly ended his racing career.
Regardless of this setback, McQueen’s passion for racing remained. He established McQueen Racing, a company devoted to producing high-performance cars and motorcycles. His children, Chase and Madison, now manage the company, continuing his legacy in the auto industry.
Throughout his life, Chad McQueen endeavored to maintain and extend his father’s legacy. He produced two documentaries about his father, “I Am Steve McQueen” and “Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans,” offering a unique insight into the life of the Hollywood legend.
McQueen leaves behind his mother, Neile Adams, his second wife, Jeanie, and his children Chase, Madison, and Steven. His son Steven has continued the family tradition, making a name for himself in the acting world with his roles in “The Vampire Diaries” and its spinoff “Legacies.”