Chad McQueen, best known for his performance in the Karate Kid films and the son of the late actor and race car driver Steve McQueen, has died. He was 63.
McQueen’s attorney and friend Arthur H. Barrens confirmed to The Associated Press that he died Wednesday. The cause of death was not disclosed. His wife, Jenny, and their children, Chase and Madison, shared a statement from McQueen’s verified account on Instagram Thursday afternoon, announcing the news of his death with a “heavy heart.”
“His remarkable journey as a loving father to us, as well as his unwavering commitment to our mother, truly exemplifies a life filled with love and dedication. His passion for racing not only highlighted his exceptional talent, but was also a way to honor his father’s legacy, a testament to the values ​​he taught him,” the statement said.
“He passed on his passion, knowledge, and dedication to us, and we will carry forward not only his legacy, but the legacy of our grandfathers as well,” the statement added. The family requested privacy while they “remember and celebrate his extraordinary life.”
McQueen followed in his father’s footsteps and pursued both acting and race car driving. He became best known for his role as Dutch in 1984’s The Karate Kid and its sequel two years later.
Though he starred in several films after the hit action franchise, including New York Cop, Squanderers and Red Line, he eventually became more interested in racing than acting and eventually founded McQueen Racing, a company that builds custom cars, motorcycles and accessories. His son Chase, who also races, and his daughter Madison now run the company.
“I didn’t enjoy acting any more,” McQueen said in an interview with The Associated Press in 2005. “So, I decided to devote myself fully to racing.” McQueen raced professionally for several years, competing in the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans and 24 Hours of Daytona races before suffering multiple injuries while driving. His work with McQueen Racing was designed to preserve and continue his father’s legacy. McQueen also produced two documentaries about his father: I Am Steve McQueen and Steve McQueen: The Man and Le Mans.
McQueen was the only son of his father and mother Neil Toffel. He had a sister, Terri, who died of respiratory failure in 1998 at the age of 38. He is survived by his wife Jenny and three children, Chase, Madison, and Steven, who is an actor best known for The Vampire Diaries.
