Chad McQueen, “Karate Kid” star and son of Steve McQueen, dies at 63

CNN
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Actor Chad McQueen, son of Hollywood legend Steve McQueen, has died at the age of 63.

His big break came in 1984 when he was cast in the box office hit “The Karate Kid,” in which he played Dutch, the antagonist of the main character played by Ralph Macchio.

His lawyer, Arthur H. Barens, told the Associated Press that he died on Wednesday.

McQueen followed in his father’s footsteps both on screen and in motorsport.

His wife Jeanie Galbraith, along with their son Chase and daughter Madison, posted a tribute to him on Instagram.

The family announced his death “with a heavy heart,” adding: “His remarkable journey as a loving father to us and his unwavering devotion to our mother truly exemplified a life of love and dedication. His passion for racing not only highlighted his exceptional talent, but was also a way of honoring his father's legacy, a testament to the values ​​instilled in him. He passed on his passion, knowledge and dedication to us and we will carry on not only his legacy but that of our grandfathers.”

McQueen also leaves behind a son from a previous relationship, Steven R. McQueen – an actor who appeared in “The Vampire Diaries”.

Chad McQueen reprised his role in the 1986 sequel to The Karate Kid and several other films, and also produced two documentaries about his father: I Am Steve McQueen in 2014 and Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans the following year.

His father, who became famous in the 1960s with the action films “The Magnificent Seven” and “The Great Escape,” died in Mexico in 1980 at the age of just 50 as a result of an operation to remove a tumor.

In addition to his acting career, McQueen also inherited his father's passion for cars. According to AP, he raced professionally for years – including the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona – but suffered a number of injuries in the process.

In 2010, he founded McQueen Racing, which he ran with his children Chase and Madison, building custom cars and motorcycles and collaborating with the film industry.

“I didn't enjoy acting anymore,” McQueen said in an interview with AP in 2005. “So I decided to devote myself full-time to racing.”

In a separate Instagram post, McQueen's son Chase wrote: “Knowing that you are now reunited with your father and sister brings me some comfort. Until we ride again, I love you.”

Jon Hurwitz, one of the creators of “Cobra Kai,” the remake of “The Karate Kid” that proved to be a hit for Netflix, also paid tribute to him online.

He said he and his colleagues met with McQueen to discuss a return to the series. In a post on X, Hurwitz described McQueen as a “Karate Kid legend,” adding, “Unfortunately, Chad couldn't be there when we started shooting. Ultimately, it wasn't meant to be. But Dutch will always be remembered in the Miyagiverse as a real badass. He showed everyone.”

He added: “The fan community mourns the loss of a Karate Kid legend today. I am so grateful to have had the honor of spending an afternoon with him. Sending much love and strength to his wonderful family. May Chad rest in peace.”