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Chad McQueen Dies at 63: Hollywood and Racing Icon

by: Bee Delores

September 13, 2024

7 min read

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Chad McQueen, the talented actor best known for his role as Dutch in The Karate Kid franchise and the son of Hollywood legend Steve McQueen, passed away at 63 from organ failure.

He died at his Palm Desert ranch, and it was reported that his health had been in decline since sustaining injuries from a serious fall in 2020.

McQueen had also survived a severe racing accident in 2006 while preparing for the Daytona International Speedway’s Rolex 24 event, which further impacted his health.

In this article, I’ll discuss the life, career, and legacy of Chad McQueen, the son of Steve McQueen, his memorable roles, his passion for racing, and the impact of his tragic passing at 63.

Let’s get started!

Early Life, Career, and Legacy

Chad McQueen, born on December 28, 1960, to Hollywood legend Steve McQueen and Filipino actress Neile Adams, was immersed in the world of entertainment and motorsports from an early age.

Growing up in Malibu, Chad spent his formative years surrounded by movie sets and racetracks, following closely in his father’s footsteps.

Notably, Chad had the unique opportunity to sit on his father’s lap during the filming of Le Mans (1971), driving a Porsche 917 and experiencing the speed and thrill that would later shape his life.

While Chad pursued acting, his passion for racing never wavered. His early breakthrough role came in The Karate Kid (1984), where he played Dutch, a brash and cocky member of the Cobra Kai dojo.

His memorable performance left a lasting impression on the audience, and he reprised the role in The Karate Kid Part II (1986). Though his character didn’t return for the later Cobra Kai series, Dutch remains an iconic figure in the franchise.

Chad continued his acting career with films such as Martial Law (1991) and Red Line (1995). However, his real passion lay in motorsports, a calling he embraced early on, winning the World Mini Grand Prix at the age of 12.

A nostalgic image of Chad as a young boy with his father, Steve McQueen. — **Chad with Steve McQueen**
*Source: stevemcqueen/Instagram*

Overview of Chad McQueen’s life & career

Aspect	Details
Full Name	Chadwick Steven McQueen
Date of Birth	December 28, 1960
Date of Death	September 11, 2024
Cause of Death	Organ failure
Key Movie Roles	Dutch in The Karate Kid (1984), Part II (1986)
Racing Career	Competed in Baja 1000, Daytona 24 Hours
Key Achievements	Won World Mini Grand Prix at age 12
Business	Founder of McQueen Racing (2010)
Family Members	Steve McQueen (father), Neile Adams (mother), Chase, Madison, Steven (children), Jeanie (wife)
Legacy Projects	McQueen Racing, Boys Republic support

This table provides a quick, factual overview of Chad McQueen’s life and career.

Passion for Racing and Legacy

Chad’s racing career took him to high-profile events like the Baja 1000 and the 24 Hours of Daytona. Unfortunately, a severe crash at Daytona in 2006 ended his professional racing endeavors, but his love for cars and speed remained undeterred.

In 2010, Chad founded McQueen Racing, a company that would carry on his and his father’s racing legacy. Tragedy marked Chad’s life as well. His father, Steve McQueen, passed away in 1980 when Chad was only 19. Later, in 1998, Chad lost his sister, Terry McQueen.

Despite these losses, Chad remained resolute in preserving his family’s legacy, particularly in the world of motorsports.

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A post shared by Chad McQueen™ (@officialchadmcqueen)

Family Legacy and Continuing the McQueen Name

Chad’s life was deeply influenced by the legacy of his father, Steve McQueen, often dubbed the “King of Cool.” Steve was known for his roles in films such as Bullitt and The Great Escape, as well as for his passion for racing, which he passed on to Chad.

Despite losing his father at the age of 19, Chad remained committed to honoring his family’s legacy. Through McQueen Racing, Chad ensured that the McQueen name remained synonymous with speed and performance in the racing world.

Chad’s children—Chase, Madison, and Steven—have continued the family tradition in both entertainment and motorsports. Steven, known for his work on The Vampire Diaries, has followed in the family’s acting footsteps.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Steve McQueen (@stevemcqueen)

Tributes from the Industry

Following Chad McQueen’s death, tributes poured in from both the entertainment and racing communities.

His longtime friend and attorney, Arthur Barens, described him as “a one-of-a-kind guy” who will be sorely missed. Fans, colleagues, and fellow racers expressed their admiration for his resilience, humility, and passion.

Chad’s family, in an official statement, highlighted his dedication to his family, his racing legacy, and his role as a loving father and husband. The family requested privacy during this difficult time, while inviting fans to donate to Boys Republic, a cause close to the McQueen family.

Chad’s first significant acting role came in The Karate Kid series, where he played Dutch, a member of the villainous Cobra Kai dojo. His portrayal of the cocky and menacing character left a lasting impression on fans of the franchise.

Although he didn’t return for later installments like the recent Cobra Kai series, his character remained a beloved part of The Karate Kid legacy.

FAQ section

What kind of accident did Chad McQueen have?

Chad McQueen experienced a severe accident in 2006 while preparing for the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, a prestigious endurance race.

During practice laps at the Daytona International Speedway, his car collided with a barrier, resulting in a devastating crash that left him with multiple injuries, including broken bones and internal damage.

The accident effectively ended his professional racing career, but it didn’t dampen his passion for motorsports. He later transitioned to overseeing McQueen Racing, continuing his family’s legacy in high-performance vehicles.

Why wasn’t Chad McQueen in Cobra Kai?

Chad McQueen did not reprise his role as Dutch in the Cobra Kai series due to his focus on other endeavors, particularly his commitment to his racing business, McQueen Racing.

Although the creators of the show reached out to McQueen, his racing activities and a life centered outside of Hollywood took priority.

Dutch’s absence was explained in the series by stating that the character was in prison, maintaining the continuity of his tough-guy persona from The Karate Kid franchise.

Was Chad McQueen married?

Yes, Chad McQueen was married to Jeanie Galbraith McQueen. The couple had two children together, Chase and Madison McQueen. Chad was also previously married to Stacia Toten, with whom he had a son, actor Steven R. McQueen.

Throughout his life, Chad was known as a devoted family man, and his children have expressed deep admiration for him, both as a father and as someone who passed down his passion for motorsports and the McQueen legacy.

Conclusion

Chad McQueen’s life was a unique blend of Hollywood glamour and racing grit, much like the legacy left by his father, Steve McQueen.
Though best known for his role as Dutch in The Karate Kid, Chad’s true passion lay on the racetrack, where he achieved significant success before a tragic accident ended his racing career.
Despite personal hardships, including the loss of his father and sister, Chad remained a steadfast family man and continued to honor his father’s legacy through his work in motorsports.
His passing marks the end of an era, but his impact on both the entertainment and racing worlds will be remembered for years to come.
As his family mourns this tremendous loss, the tributes from fans and colleagues alike reflect a life well-lived, marked by resilience, passion, and love.