Tragic Karate Kid star Chad McQueen paid a poignant tribute to his late screen legend father Steve McQueen, months before he passed away at the age of 63.
McQueen died Wednesday of organ failure at his home in Palm Desert, California, his longtime attorney Arthur Barens said. TMZ.
McQueen was not only known as an actor, but was also the son of iconic Great Escape star Steve, who died in 1980 at the age of 50.
His last Instagram post marked his father’s 93rd birthday on March 24, 2023. At the time, Chad shared a photo of himself as a child with his father.
He wrote: ‘Happy birthday, Dad. I love you and miss you.
Tragic Karate Kid star Chad McQueen paid a poignant tribute to his late screen legend father Steve McQueen, just months before his shock death at the age of 63 – pictured in Los Angeles in 2004
McQueen played Dutch, a member of the villainous Cobra Kai gang in The Karate Kid (1984)
Chad was born on December 28, 1960. He was the only son of Steve McQueen and his first wife, Filipino-American actress Neile Adams; pictured together in 1964 in Santa Monica
According to his lawyer, McQueen was suffering from progressive organ failure, caused by a serious injury he suffered years earlier and which ultimately led to his death.
He was reportedly surrounded by his children and wife Jeanie in his final moments.
In a statement to Variety, McQueen’s wife Jeanie and his children Chase and Madison wrote: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father, Chad McQueen. His remarkable journey as a loving father to us, along with his unwavering devotion to our mother, was truly an example of a life filled with love and dedication.
“His passion for racing not only highlighted his exceptional talent, but also served as a way to honor his father’s legacy, a testament to the values instilled in him,” they continued.
“He passed on his passion, knowledge and dedication to us, and we will continue not only his legacy, but that of our grandfather,” McQueen’s family concluded. “As a family, we must navigate this difficult time, and we kindly ask for privacy as we remember and celebrate his extraordinary life.”
Chad was born on December 28, 1960. He was the only son of Steve McQueen and his first wife, Filipino-American actress Neile Adams.
The couple also had a daughter, Terry Leslie McQueen, who died in 1998 at the age of 38.
Neile married Steve in 1956, but the couple divorced in 1972.
McQueen later married Ali McGraw (from 1973 to 1978) and Barbara Minty from 1980 until his death later that year from a heart attack, shortly after surgery to remove multiple tumors.
After his role in the original 1984 Karate Kid film, Chad McQueen reprised his role in The Karate Kid Part II, which was released in 1986.
According to his attorney, McQueen died at his home in Palm Desert, California, surrounded by his wife Jeanie and children; pictured in 2015 in North Hollywood
The couple also had a daughter, Terry Leslie McQueen, who died in 1998 at the age of 38. Adams and McQueen married in 1956 and divorced in 1971; pictured in 1966
Chad (R) was the son of legendary Hollywood star Steve McQueen (pictured left on the set of his film Le Mans in 1971)
His character, Dutch, was one of the most reckless and aggressive members of the Cobra Kai series, but unlike many of his co-stars, McQueen never appeared in the popular sequel series Cobra Kai, which debuted on YouTube Red before moving to Netflix, where its sixth and final season is scheduled to wrap sometime next year.
In 2019, co-creator Josh Heald Entertainment weekly that McQueen had been approached to reprise his role as Dutch.
However, due to scheduling issues, he was unable to appear, so his character was described as being in prison, leaving open the possibility of him appearing at a later date.
McQueen was married to Stacey Rae Toten from 1987 to 1990 and they have one son, actor Steven R. McQueen.
Chad married his second wife, Jeanie Galbraith, in 1993 and they had two more children: son Chase McQueen and daughter Madison McQueen.
McQueen initially followed his famous father’s example and began acting. His first role was a small part in 1978’s Skateboard.
He never achieved a level of fame comparable to that of the elder McQueen and played mainly minor roles in television series and films, including several direct-to-video films.
He did share his father’s interest in racing, an interest sparked when Steve drove over 100 mph with Chad on his lap while filming Le Mans.
Chad would become a talented racer himself.
McQueen’s acting career never took off like his father’s, but he followed Steve’s passion and became a talented race car driver; pictured here in March 2023 in Palm Desert, California.
He is survived by his wife Jeanie and his children Steven, Chase and Madison, as well as his mother Neile Adams, who is 92. Chad is pictured with Neile in 2022 in Palm Springs, California.
He competed in events including the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring, but his career behind the wheel came to an abrupt end after a devastating crash in 2006 during practice for the Rolex 24 event at Daytona International Speedway.
In the crash he broke his left leg and several ribs, and suffered two spinal fractures.
But McQueen recovered enough to continue his passion outside the cockpit and in 2010 he founded McQueen Racing, which worked with manufacturers to create high-performance, limited edition motorcycles and cars intended for racing.
He is survived by his wife Jeanie and his children Steven, Chase and Madison, as well as his mother Neile Adams, who is 92.
