The son of the legendary actor Steve McQueen, Chad McQueen, known for his roles in The Karate Kid franchise, has passed away surrounded by his family. Chad, who rose to fame as a key villain in the Karate Kid movies, died at the age of 63 at his ranch in Palm Desert, California. Steve McQueen, known as the ‘King of Cool’ for his iconic roles in films like Bullitt and The Great Escape, had Chad with actress Neile Adams in 1960. Chad shared a striking resemblance to his father and followed his passion for racing cars, even owning a Porsche 356 Speedster that once belonged to Steve McQueen.
Chad’s acting credits include portraying the character Dutch in The Karate Kid and The Karate Kid Part II, alongside appearances in various TV shows and films centred around martial arts and action. Despite his successful acting career, Chad transitioned to professional race car driving, competing in events such as Motocross and the Baja 1000. Unfortunately, a serious racing accident in 2006 left Chad with severe injuries, including a broken lower left leg and fractured vertebrae, leading to progressive organ failure.
His lawyer, Arthur Barens, confirmed that Chad passed away due to organ failure, with his wife Jeanie Galbraith and their children Chase McQueen and Madison McQueen by his side. Chad’s contributions to The Karate Kid films and his endeavours in the world of racing have left a lasting impact on his fans and peers. Despite declining offers to revisit his iconic role in a Netflix show, Chad’s legacy as a talented actor and skilled race car driver will be cherished by many.
As the entertainment industry pays tribute to Chad McQueen’s remarkable career and life, his family and fans mourn the loss of an actor and sportsman who made a lasting impression in Hollywood and the world of racing. Chad’s passing comes at a time when his villainous character in The Karate Kid continues to resonate with audiences, with the franchise seeing a resurgence in popularity. His presence in the film industry and motorsport community will be deeply missed, but his legacy will endure through his memorable performances and passion for fast cars.