Chad McQueen, 'Karate Kid' Actor and Son of Steve McQueen, Dies at 63

Chad McQueen, son of Hollywood legend Steve McQueen, has passed away at the age of 63. The family announced his death on September 11, 2024, through his official Instagram account, without specifying the cause.

Known for his role as Dutch, the antagonist in the 1984 classic "The Karate Kid" and its 1986 sequel, Chad McQueen made his mark in the film industry. The movie, directed by John G. Avildsen of "Rocky" fame, featured the memorable Cobra Kai dojo with its motto "Strike First, Strike Hard, No Mercy."

Born on December 28, 1960, in Los Angeles, Chad McQueen grew up surrounded by the film industry. His father, Steve McQueen, nicknamed "The King of Cool," was renowned for his anti-hero persona and performing many of his own stunts, particularly in car chases. The iconic car chase scene in "Bullitt" remains one of the most famous in cinema history.

Following in his father's footsteps, Chad developed a passion for motorsports. He began racing dirt bikes at age 9 and later competed in events sanctioned by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), two of the most prominent motorsports organizations in North America.

In 2010, Chad founded McQueen Racing, a performance vehicle company. However, his racing career came to an abrupt end after a near-fatal crash at the Daytona International Speedway, home of the famous Daytona 500 NASCAR race. The accident occurred during practice for the prestigious 24 Hours of Daytona endurance race, where Chad was driving a Porsche 911 GT3, a high-performance sports car.

Chad's father, Steve McQueen, was not only a celebrated actor but also an avid motorcycle enthusiast. He competed in off-road motorcycle races and was posthumously inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999. Steve starred in films such as "The Great Escape," based on a true story of a mass escape from a German POW camp, and "Le Mans," which featured Chad as a young boy on set.

"His passion for racing not only highlighted his exceptional talent, but also served as a way to honor his father's legacy."

Chad McQueen is survived by his wife, Jeanie, and children Chase, Madison, and Steven R. McQueen. Steven has followed the family's acting tradition, known for his roles in the eight-season run of "The Vampire Diaries" and the "Chicago" franchise series "Chicago Fire," created by Dick Wolf.

The McQueen legacy in both film and motorsports continues to inspire, with Chad's contributions to both industries leaving an indelible mark on fans and enthusiasts alike.