Chad McQueen, the son of Hollywood legend Steve McQueen and actor in the famed series “The Karate Kid”, has passed away at 63. Known for his love of racing and acting, McQueen died on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at his Palm Desert, California ranch. The cause was organ failure resulting from complications of a fall in 2020.
The news of his death was shared by his family on social media. They celebrated his life as a “remarkable journey” of dedication and affection. The family’s post emphasized his zeal for racing, a talent that also paid homage 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 announced via an Instagram post.
Being the offspring of Steve McQueen, Hollywood’s revered figure, Chad embraced his father’s legacy, finding success in both the worlds of acting and auto racing.
With a career in acting that spanned over 20 years, Chad McQueen took on roles in 26 films and television series. His debut was in the 1978 sports drama “Skateboard,” where he played a skateboarder. He went on to feature in several movies, 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) earned him widespread acclaim. In these films, McQueen’s character became a significant figure in the enduring popularity of the franchise.
While he had a notable acting career, Chad McQueen’s real passion was auto racing, a hobby he adopted from his father. His racing journey started at the young age of 10, when he won his first race at a children’s Le Mans event, an initiative started on the set of his father’s 1971 movie “Le Mans.”
As he matured, McQueen pursued professional racing, taking part in the Sports Car Club of America series. However, his racing career ended prematurely in 2006 after a crash at Daytona International Speedway.
Despite the end of his racing career, McQueen’s passion for the sport remained undimmed. He established McQueen Racing, a firm committed to producing high-performance automobiles and motorcycles. His children, Chase and Madison, now manage the company, continuing their father’s history in the auto industry.
Throughout his life, Chad McQueen endeavored to sustain his father’s legacy. He produced two documentaries about his father, “I Am Steve McQueen” and “Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans,” providing a unique insight into the life of the legendary actor.
McQueen is survived by his mother, Neile Adams, his second wife, Jeanie, and his children Chase, Madison, and Steven. His son Steven also continues the family tradition in acting, known for his roles in “The Vampire Diaries” and its spinoff “Legacies.”
The McQueen family has asked for privacy during this challenging time as they mourn Chad’s extraordinary life. They have proposed that those who wish to honor his memory can donate to Boys Republic, a charity that supports and provides a home for disadvantaged children.