Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
New York Post
Chad McQueen, ‘Karate Kid’ star and son of Steve McQueen, dead at 63
By Sean Mandell,
4 hours ago
Fans of the “Karate Kid” franchise have lost a beloved figure.
Actor Chad McQueen, the only son of the late Hollywood icon Steve McQueen and perhaps best known for portraying the character Dutch in the “Karate Kid” movies, has died. He was 63.
Born Chadwick Steve McQueen, the actor passed away on Wednesday, September 11, at his home in Palm Desert, Calif., according to his longtime attorney, Arthur Barens, who spoke with TMZ .
Chad McQueen in “The Karate Kid” (1984). Columbia Pictures via YouTube
Barens said that McQueen’s cause of death was organ failure. McQueen reportedly sustained an injury a few years ago, which ultimately caused progressive organ failure.
McQueen was allegedly surrounded by his children, life partner and Barens when he died.
The news of McQueen’s death was confirmed by his wife Jeanie and two of his children — daughter Madison and son Chase — in a statement posted on Instagram.
Chad McQueen waves during a photocall for the film “Steve McQueen : The Man & Le Mans” at the 68th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southeastern France, on May 16, 2015. AFP via Getty Images Chad McQueen in “The Karate Kid” (1984). Columbia Pictures via YouTube
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our father Chad McQueen,” the family captioned two black and white photos posted on Chad and Steve McQueen’s Instagram accounts.
“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. 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.”
Actor Steve McQueen relaxes with his son Chad as he stars in the movie ‘Le Mans’ on June 24, 1971 in Le Mans, France. Getty Images
“He passed his passion, knowledge and dedication down to us and we will continue not only his legacy but our grandfathers as well,” the statement continued. “As a family we need to navigate this difficult time and we kindly ask for privacy as we remember and celebrate his extraordinary life.”
The post was signed, “With heartfelt gratitude, Jeanie, Chase, and Madison.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/C_1ImOBTeKa
McQueen is also survived by “Vampire Diaries” actor Steven R. McQueen , 36, Chad’s son from his first marriage to Stacey Toten. Chad and Toten married in 1987 and divorced in 1990.
In addition to playing Dutch in both 1984’s “The Karate Kid” and the 1986 sequel, “The Karate Kid II,” McQueen was known for his role in the 1993 movie “Firepower” and 1998’s “Surface to Air.”
Chad McQueen and son Stephen R. McQueen (“Vampire Diaries”) arrive at the Los Angles Premiere of “The Karate Kid” at the Mann Village Theatre on June 7, 2010 in Westwood, California. FilmMagic Mitchell Carriles, Madison McQueen, Chad McQueen, Neile Adams McQueen, Chase McQueen and Jeannie McQueen attend Madison McQueen’s Baby Shower at Bighorn Golf Club on March 8, 2023 in Palm Desert, California. Getty Images
A fierce protector of his father’s legacy, McQueen produced two documentaries about the Hollywood legend, “I Am Steve McQueen” (2014) and “Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans” (2015).
Like his father, Chad was passionate about auto racing.
In 2006, he nearly died in a car crash while practicing ahead of the Daytona International Speedway’s Rolex 24 race, according to Variety . The accident ended his career as a professional driver. It’s unclear whether that accident contributed to his health struggles in recent years.
The Post reached out to his attorney and manager for comment.
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.
Local News
