Chad McQueen, son of legendary actor Steve McQueen and best known for his role in the Karate Kid films, passed away on Wednesday, September 11, at the age of 63.
Chad McQueen’s family confirmed his passing on social media, sharing an emotional statement about their “loving father.”
“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,” the post read. “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.”
“He passed his passion, knowledge and dedication down to us and we will continue not only his legacy but our grandfathers 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.”
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Chad McQueen famously portrayed Dutch in the 1984 film The Karate Kid and reprised his role in its sequel a few years later.
He also appeared in several other films, including Martial Law, Firepower, and Red Line. However, his career eventually shifted to auto racing, following in the footsteps of his father, who also had a passion for motorsports.
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According to Variety, Chad McQueen competed professionally in racing events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring. He also founded McQueen Racing, a company focused on high-performance cars and motorcycles.
In 2006, Chad experienced a near-fatal crash while practicing for a race. Although he recovered from the serious injuries, the accident ended his professional racing career.
As of now, the McQueen family has not disclosed the cause of Chad’s death. He is survived by his wife, Jeanie, and their three children: Chase, Madison, and Steven.