Chad McQueen, actor and son of legendary actor and race car driver Steve McQueen, has passed away at the age of 63. McQueen's attorney and close friend, Arthur H. Barens, confirmed the news. While the cause of death has not been disclosed, his wife Jeanie and children, Chase and Madison, shared a heartfelt statement on Instagram.
The statement read, "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 honored his father's legacy."
The family also expressed their intention to continue Chad's work, saying, "He passed his passion, knowledge, and dedication down to us, and we will continue not only his legacy but our grandfather's as well." They requested privacy during this time as they "remember and celebrate his extraordinary life."
A Legacy in Film and Racing Chad McQueen followed in his father's footsteps, not only as an actor but also as a professional race car driver. He gained fame for his role as Dutch, the antagonist in the 1984 hit film "The Karate Kid" and its 1986 sequel. Beyond acting, McQueen was deeply involved in the racing world, eventually founding McQueen Racing, a company that specializes in custom cars, motorcycles, and accessories.
Despite several successful roles in films such as "New York Cop," "Squanderers," and "Red Line," McQueen eventually shifted his focus entirely to racing. In a 2005 interview, he said, "I didn't find acting fun anymore, so I decided to give racing a total commitment." He raced professionally for years, participating in prestigious competitions like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona. However, a series of injuries led him to retire from racing.
Honoring His Father's Legacy McQueen dedicated much of his life to preserving the legacy of his father, Steve McQueen. In addition to his work with McQueen Racing, he produced two documentaries: "I Am Steve McQueen" and "Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans."
Chad McQueen was the only son of Steve McQueen and Neile Toffel. His sister, Terry, passed away at the age of 38 in 1998. He is survived by his wife Jeanie and their children, Chase, Madison, and Steven, who is also an actor known for his role in "The Vampire Diaries."
