Chad McQueen, the son of iconic actor Steve McQueen and known for his role as “Dutch” in “The Karate Kid” series, passed away on Wednesday in Palm Springs at the age of 63.
In a heartfelt statement to Variety, his wife Jeanie and their 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 loving father and his unwavering commitment to our mother truly exemplified a life filled with love and dedication.” They noted his passion for racing as a means to honor his father’s legacy and emphasized his dedication to passing those values on to his family.
Chad McQueen emerged as a household name through his portrayal of “Dutch” in the 1984 classic “The Karate Kid” and its sequel, “The Karate Kid Part II,” released in 1986. His character, a member of the notorious Cobra Kai, left a lasting mark on ’80s pop culture, recognized for his ruthless behavior, particularly during the infamous Halloween dance scene where he encouraged his friend Johnny Lawrence to inflict violence on Daniel LaRusso. In the “Cobra Kai” series, it is revealed that Dutch has spent time in prison, but scheduling conflicts ultimately barred McQueen from appearing in the show.
Apart from his acting career, McQueen also pursued a passion for auto racing, competing in prestigious events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring. He founded McQueen Racing, a company dedicated to developing high-performance cars and motorcycles, cementing the family’s automotive legacy.
His racing endeavors took a tragic turn in 2006 when he survived a near-fatal crash while practicing for the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway. Although he recovered from his injuries, the incident curtailed his professional racing career, though he remained active in the motorsport community through his company.
Born on December 28, 1960, in Los Angeles and raised in Malibu, McQueen is survived by his wife Jeanie, his children Chase, Madison, and Steven, who is also an actor known for his role in “The Vampire Diaries.”