Chad McQueen, the only son of actor Steve McQueen, passed away at the age of 63 on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. He was at his ranch in Palm Springs, California, at the time, TMZ reported. An actor himself, he was known for playing Dutch in The Karate Kid film series. He is survived by his wife, Jeanie, and his children, Chase, Madison, and Steven.
His attorney and friend, Arthur H. Barens, confirmed his death to The Associated Press, and subsequently, his family announced the same in a statement to Variety the next day. His passing was attributed to progressive organ failure resulting from a near-fatal racing injury in 2020 from which he never fully recovered.
Chad McQueen lived a life "filled with love and dedication"
In a statement, his family told Variety:
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our father, Chad McQueen. 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, a testament to the values instilled in him.”
They also reflected on his talents and legacy, continuing:
“He passed his passion, knowledge and dedication down to us, and we will continue not only his legacy but our grandfather’s as well. As a family, we need to navigate this difficult time, and we kindly ask for privacy as we remember and celebrate his extraordinary life.”
His family’s statement reflects the impact Chad McQueen had on their lives and the enduring legacy he leaves behind.
Chad McQueen didn't find acting "fun anymore," decided
to pursue racing instead
Apart from his work in Hollywood, Chad Steven McQueen was also a martial artist and race car driver. In addition to the Karate Kid film series, he was also known for working on films like Martial Law, Death Ring, and Red Line, and was also one of the Cobra Kai members. Furthermore, he produced a documentary, Filming at Speed, for which he won a Telly Award.
However, McQueen had a more fruitful career in auto racing, having participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona races. In a 2005 interview, he told The Associated Press:
“I didn’t find acting fun anymore. So, I decided to give racing a total commitment.”
He eventually went on to founded McQueen Racing, a company that focuses on customizing cars, motorcycles, and other equipment. His children Chase and Madison now run the company, US News reported, while his son Steven is an actor himself, most known for his work on The Vampire Diaries.
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In 2006, Chad McQueen came close to meeting his end in a crash while practicing for the Daytona International Speedway’s Rolex 24 event. It was then that his professional racing career came to a halt.
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