Producer Chad McQueen poses for photographers during a photo call for the film, "Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans," at the 68th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, May 16, 2015. (AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau/The Canadian Press)
Chad McQueen, the actor famed for his role in the “Karate Kid” films and the son of the legendary Steve McQueen, has passed away at the age of 63. The news was confirmed by McQueen’s attorney and friend, Arthur H. Barens, who revealed that McQueen died on Wednesday. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
In a heartfelt message posted on Instagram, McQueen’s family shared the sad news, reflecting on his life with great sorrow. The statement from his wife, Jeanie, and children, Chase and Madison, praised his life as a devoted father and husband. They noted his passion for racing as a tribute to his father's legacy, emphasizing how his love for the sport was a significant part of his life.
“He passed his passion, knowledge, and dedication down to us, and we will continue not only his legacy but also that of our grandfather,” the family said in their statement. They requested privacy as they remember and celebrate his remarkable life.
Chad McQueen followed in the footsteps of his famous father by pursuing careers in both acting and racing. He gained recognition for his role as Dutch, the villain in the 1984 hit film “The Karate Kid,” and reprised the role in its sequel two years later. Although he appeared in other films such as “New York Cop,” “Squanderers,” and “Red Line,” McQueen eventually shifted his focus more towards racing.
McQueen founded McQueen Racing, a company specializing in custom cars, motorcycles, and accessories, to honor his father’s legacy. His children, Chase, who also races, and Madison now manage the company. Reflecting on his career shift, McQueen once told The Associated Press, “I didn’t find acting fun anymore, so I decided to give racing a total commitment.”
He competed professionally in renowned races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona before injuries curtailed his racing career. McQueen also worked to preserve his father’s memory through documentaries, producing “I Am Steve McQueen” and “Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans.”
Chad McQueen was the only son of Steve McQueen and his first wife, Neile Toffel. His sister, Terry, passed away from respiratory failure in 1998. He is survived by his wife Jeanie, his children Chase, Madison, and Steven, who is an actor known for his role in “The Vampire Diaries.”
