Chad McQueen, the son of Hollywood icon Steve McQueen, has passed away at the age of 63. Known for his role as Dutch, a key adversary in the 1984 hit The Karate Kid, McQueen’s death was confirmed by his attorney, Arthur H. Barens, who informed the Associated Press that the actor passed away on Wednesday.
McQueen, much like his legendary father, carved a dual path in life, excelling both on screen and on the motor racing circuit. His wife, Jeanie Galbraith, alongside their children Chase and Madison, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, saying, “His remarkable journey as a loving father to us, along with his unwavering commitment to our mother, truly exemplified a life filled with love and dedication.” They reflected on his passion for racing, a talent and love he inherited from his father, and which he passed down to his children.
In addition to his wife and children, McQueen is survived by his son Steven R. McQueen, from a previous relationship. Steven, also an actor, is best known for his role in The Vampire Diaries.
Chad McQueen reprised his role as Dutch in The Karate Kid Part II (1986) and appeared in several other films. However, much of his later career was spent honoring his father’s legacy, producing documentaries like I Am Steve McQueen (2014) and Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans (2015), which explored the life of the iconic actor and his love for racing. His father, Steve McQueen, became a household name in the 1960s with films like The Magnificent Seven and The Great Escape but tragically passed away in 1980 at age 50.
Beyond acting, Chad inherited his father’s passion for motorsports. He raced professionally in events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona. Despite suffering several injuries, McQueen continued to pursue his love of racing. In 2010, he founded McQueen Racing, a business dedicated to crafting custom cars and motorcycles with the help of his children. Reflecting on his shift from acting to racing, McQueen once said in a 2005 interview, “I didn’t find acting fun anymore, so I decided to give racing a total commitment.”
Chad’s son, Chase McQueen, paid tribute to his father with a touching message on Instagram: “Knowing you’re now reunited with your Dad and Sister brings me some comfort. Until we ride again, I love you.”
The creators of Cobra Kai, the popular Karate Kid revival series, also expressed their sorrow over McQueen’s passing. Jon Hurwitz, one of the show’s creators, revealed that they had once discussed a potential return for McQueen’s character, Dutch, but it never materialized. Hurwitz honored McQueen on X (formerly Twitter), calling him a “Karate Kid legend” and reflecting on the impact of his character in the series. “Dutch will always be remembered as a badass’ badass in the Miyagiverse. He kicked ass.”
McQueen’s death marks the end of a remarkable life filled with racing triumphs, film success, and a deep familial legacy tied to his father. His passion for cars, acting, and family continues to leave an indelible mark on those who knew and admired him.
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