'Karate Kid' star Chad McQueen, son of actor Steve McQueen, dies at 63
Chad McQueen, son of Hollywood icon Steve McQueen, has died at the age of 63.
McQueen's lawyer, Arthur H. Barrens, confirmed the news to Fox News Digital in a statement Thursday.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Chad McQueen, son of legendary actor Steve McQueen. In 2020, Chad suffered an injury from which he never fully recovered,” Berens wrote.
Born on December 28, 1960, McQueen is perhaps best known for his role as Dutch, one of the bullies in the original “The Karate Kid” and the sequel “The Karate Kid II.”
Chad McQueen in “The Karate Kid”. (Sony Pictures Entertainment)
Steve McQueen was plagued with insecurities due to his troubled childhood, reports say
He also starred in films like “New York Cop” and “Red Line,” and according to Variety, plans to reprise his role as “Karate Kid” in the Netflix spin-off “Cobra Kai” never came to fruition.
Outside of acting, McQueen focused on auto racing like his famous father.
McQueen also had a career in auto racing and loved cars like his late father Steve McQueen. (Getty Images)
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Chad McQueen, son of legendary actor Steve McQueen. In 2020, Chad suffered an injury from which he never fully recovered.”
“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 has passed his passion, knowledge and dedication to his family's heritage to his children,” Chase said. and Madison, who will continue to write the McQueen story with Renaissance Licensing,” Barrens said in the statement.
Variety reported that Chad competed in events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring. He also founded McQueen Racing in 2010. McQueen's children, Chase and Madison, have taken over, according to the company's website.
McQueen sits with his wife Ginny McQueen, mother Neil Adams McQueen, son Chase and daughter Madison at a baby shower in Madison in 2023. (David Crotty/Getty Images)
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“Together, Chase and Madison form a dynamic team, carrying on their father's legacy as well as their own passion for the joy of racing. Their dedication to excellence and their relentless pursuit of pushing the boundaries of performance and design have placed McQueen Racing at the forefront of the industry, ” says McQueen Racing's website.
“Chad's extraordinary journey as a loving father to Chase and Madison, along with his unwavering commitment to Ginny, truly exemplifies a life filled with love and dedication. He is survived by his mother, Neale Adams, a well-known Broadway performer, dancer and singer,” Berens said. The statement said.
Chad McQueen is the father of “Vampire Diaries” and “Chicago Fire” star Steven R. McQueen from a previous marriage.
McQueen with his mother, Neal Adams, Steve McQueen's first wife. (David Crotty/Getty Images)
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On social media, McQueen often paid tribute to her father, who died of complications from cancer in 1980.
“Happy Father's Day to the best dad I could ever ask for! Thank you for being my guardian angel. I promise to tell your story the way you want because no one knew you like I did,” she wrote last year.
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“As the family navigates this difficult time, we kindly ask for privacy as they remember and celebrate Chad's extraordinary life,” added Berens' statement, encouraging people to donate to Boys Republic.
Fox News Digital's Larry Fink contributed to this report.
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