Chad McQueen, the son of the iconic actor Steve McQueen, passed away on Wednesday in Palm Springs at the age of 63. He was known for his role as “Dutch” in “The Karate Kid” film series.
In a statement to Variety, his wife Jeanie and children Chase and Madison expressed their sorrow, stating, “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our father, Chad McQueen. His remarkable journey as a devoted father to us, along with his steadfast commitment to our mother, truly exemplified a life filled with love and dedication. His passion for racing not only showcased his exceptional talent but also honored his father’s legacy, reflecting the values he instilled in us.”
They added, “He passed his passion, knowledge, and dedication down to us, and we will continue not only his legacy but our grandfather’s 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.”
Chad McQueen gained fame for his portrayal of “Dutch” in the original “The Karate Kid” (1984) and its sequel, “The Karate Kid Part II” (1986). His character became an iconic figure in ’80s pop culture, known for his ruthless behavior and for inciting violence against protagonist Daniel LaRusso, played by Ralph Macchio.
In the TV series “Cobra Kai,” it is revealed that Dutch has been imprisoned. Although there were discussions about McQueen making an appearance on the show, scheduling conflicts reportedly prevented this from happening.
While Chad McQueen had roles in other films like “New York Cop” (1993) and “Red Line” (1995), his film career did not reach the heights of his father’s. He followed in Steve McQueen’s footsteps in the field of auto racing, competing professionally in notable events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring. He also founded McQueen Racing, a company focused on developing high-performance automobiles and motorcycles.
In 2006, Chad McQueen survived a serious crash while training for the Daytona International Speedway’s Rolex 24 event. Though he recovered from the incident, it marked the end of his professional racing career, though he remained active in motorsports through his company and other business endeavors.
Born on December 28, 1960, in Los Angeles and raised in Malibu, McQueen is survived by his wife Jeanie and his children Chase, Madison, and Steven, who is known for his role in “The Vampire Diaries.”