Chad McQueen, the son of Hollywood icon Steve McQueen and a notable actor and race car driver in his own right, has died at age 63. McQueen passed away on September 11, 2024, in Palm Springs, California, leaving behind a legacy that merged the best of his father’s cinematic and racing achievements with his own remarkable passion for the open road.
McQueen, best known for his role as Dutch in the 1984 classic The Karate Kid and its sequel, also carved out a successful career as a race car driver, embodying the same cool, rebellious spirit that made his father, Steve McQueen, a legendary figure in Hollywood and motorsports. His family confirmed his death in a heartfelt statement posted on social media, touching on his roles as a father, husband, and racing enthusiast.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our father Chad McQueen,” the family shared in their statement. His wife, Jeanie, and their two children, Chase and Madison, highlighted Chad’s devotion to his family and his love for racing, which he inherited from his father.
A Life Lived in the Fast Lane
Born into a family synonymous with speed and stardom, Chad McQueen was raised in the shadow of his father, Steve McQueen, one of the most famous action stars of the 1960s and 1970s, known for films like Bullitt, The Great Escape, and Le Mans. While Chad carried the weight of his father’s immense legacy, he forged his own path, balancing a career in Hollywood with a passion for racing that mirrored Steve’s own.
Chad first gained recognition on the silver screen as Dutch, one of Johnny Lawrence’s Cobra Kai allies in The Karate Kid. He reprised the role in The Karate Kid Part II, but his true passion lay elsewhere. After a string of action films including Death Ring, Firepower, and Red Line, Chad left the movie industry in the early 1990s to pursue his love of sports car racing full-time.
Chad’s devotion to the racetrack became a defining aspect of his life, one that allowed him to honor his father’s memory in a deeply personal way. As a talented driver, Chad competed in numerous races, including the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona. His career, however, nearly ended in tragedy when he survived a near-fatal crash during a training session for Daytona in 2006. The accident left him with serious injuries, but Chad’s passion for cars remained undiminished.
In 2010, he founded McQueen Racing, a company that builds custom high-performance cars. For Chad, the company was more than just a business venture—it was a way to carry on the McQueen legacy, a testament to the lessons and values instilled in him by his father. “His passion for racing not only highlighted his exceptional talent, but also served as a way to honor his father’s legacy,” his family said in their statement. “He passed his passion, knowledge, and dedication down to us, and we will continue not only his legacy but our grandfather’s as well.”
A Legacy Defined by Family and Film
Chad’s close relationship with his father was central to his life. Steve McQueen passed away in 1980 when Chad was just 19 years old, but the values and lessons his father imparted to him endured throughout his life. In a 1996 interview with PEOPLE, Chad reflected on the parallels between his and his father’s personalities, saying, “A lot of my values are like my dad’s. I try to be quiet like him. Growing up, I didn’t understand his distrust of people. But getting older, I do now.”
Despite his father’s death at a young age, Chad carried Steve’s legacy into everything he did, especially in the world of racing. He never sought to emulate his father’s acting career, choosing instead to carve out his own space in the world of high-speed racing. But to the millions of Karate Kid fans, Chad will always be remembered for his role as Dutch, the swaggering, cocky bad boy of Cobra Kai.
Though The Karate Kid was Chad’s most notable film role, it was far from the only achievement in his life. His decision to step away from Hollywood and follow his passion for racing spoke to the independent, fearless nature he inherited from Steve. Chad lived life on his own terms, whether he was playing a ruthless villain on screen or speeding around a racetrack, refusing to be bound by expectations or legacy.
Tributes Pour In
Following the announcement of Chad McQueen’s death, tributes began to pour in from friends, fans, and fellow racers. One particularly heartfelt tribute came from Fast N’ Loud star Richard Rawlings, who expressed his admiration for Chad’s impact on both Hollywood and racing. “The McQueen legacy is one of a kind, and Chad kept that cool, fearless spirit alive,” Rawlings wrote. “From the entire GMG squad, our thoughts are with the McQueen family. Rest easy, Chad.”
Chad’s family concluded their announcement with a request for privacy as they navigate this difficult time, emphasizing their love for the man who carried both the McQueen name and its legendary spirit. “As a family we need to navigate this difficult time and we kindly ask for privacy as we remember and celebrate his extraordinary life,” they said.
The McQueen Legacy Continues
Though Chad McQueen may no longer be with us, the McQueen legacy endures—both through his children and the countless lives he touched in his varied careers. From his iconic role in The Karate Kid to his dedication to racing and his family, Chad’s life was one of passion, resilience, and love. His contributions to film and racing will be remembered, but perhaps more importantly, he will be celebrated for the values he embodied and the family he adored.
The McQueen name continues to inspire generations of film lovers and racing enthusiasts alike. Chad McQueen leaves behind a legacy that is both distinct and intertwined with his father’s—a legacy of strength, independence, and a love for life lived in the fast lane.