Chad McQueen dead – Karate Kid star and son of acting legend Steve McQueen dies aged 63 after suffering organ failure

KARATE Kid star and son of iconic actor Steve McQueen, Chad McQueen, has died aged 63.

He died at his home in Palm Desert, California, on Wednesday according to TMZ .

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Rex

His lawyer confirmed the actor’s death and said he had been suffering from organ failure caused by an injury sustained years earlier.

Chad was with his children Chase and Madison, wife Jeanie and lawyer Arthur Barens when he died.

He was known for his role as Dutch in 1984 film The Karate Kid alongside Ralph Macchio , as well as the 1993 film Firepower.

Chad was also a professional car racer and won the World Mini Grand Prix at just 12 years old.

His family told Variety in a statement: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our father, Chad McQueen.

“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.

“He passed his passion, knowledge and dedication down to us, and we will continue not only his legacy but our grandfather’s as well.

“As a family, we need to navigate this difficult time, and we kindly ask for privacy as we remember and celebrate his extraordinary life.”

Barens paid tribute to him as “a one of a kind guy” who “will be missed”.

He also put to rest rumours that Chad had reprised his role from The Karate Kid for the final season of the hit TV show Cobra Kai and confirmed that he did not take part.

Cobra Kai creator Jon Hurwitz said he had tried to persuade Chad to appear.

Writing on Twitter/X, he said: “Dutch may have been the purest Cobra of them all. Merciless and dangerous through and through. That’s what we loved about him. And it was all because of Chad McQueen’s performance.

“We always wanted Chad McQueen to appear on the show. And it almost happened a couple of times. Chad was torn. His racing injuries limited his capabilities, but he loved the idea of playing again with his pal, @william_zabka. They had so much fun together while making Karate Kid.”

Chad was the only son of screen legend Steve McQueen, who tragically died aged just 50 in 1980, and his first wife, the Filipina American actress Neile Adams.

They also shared a daughter, Terry Leslie McQueen, who died in 1998 aged 38.

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