Chad McQueen, 'Karate Kid' star and son of Steve McQueen, dies at 63 | CNN

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Actor Chad McQueen, son of Hollywood legend Steve McQueen, has died at the age of 63.

McQueen got his big break in 1984 when he starred in the hit movie “The Karate Kid,” playing Dutch, the antagonist of Ralph Macchio's main character.

His attorney, Arthur H. Barrens, told The Associated Press that he died Wednesday.

McQueen followed in his father's footsteps on screen and on the motor racing circuit.

His wife, Ginny Galbraith, along with their son Chase and daughter Madison, paid tribute to him on Instagram.

The family announced his death “with heavy hearts”, adding: “His remarkable journey as a loving father to us, his unwavering commitment to our mother, truly exemplified a life full of love and dedication. His passion for racing not only highlighted his exceptional talent. , rather served as a way to honor his father's legacy, a testament to the values ​​he instilled in him. He passed on his passion, knowledge and dedication to us, and we will carry on not only his legacy, but our grandfather's as well.”

McQueen is also survived by his son from a former relationship, Steven R. McQueen – An actor who appeared in “The Vampire Diaries”.

Along with his role in the 1986 sequel to “The Karate Kid,” Chad McQueen has appeared in several other films and made two documentaries about his father: “I Am Steve McQueen” in 2014 and “Steve McQueen: The Man and Le Mans” in 2014. year

Her father, who rose to fame in the 1960s with the action movies “The Magnificent Seven” and “The Great Escape,” died in Mexico in 1980 aged just 50 after surgery to remove a tumor.

In addition to his acting career, McQueen inherited his father's passion for cars. According to the AP, he spent years racing professionally — including the 24 Hours of Le Mans and 24 Hours of Daytona races — but suffered several injuries as a result.

In 2010, he founded McQueen Racing, which he runs with his children Chase and Madison, building custom cars and motorcycles and working with the film industry.

“I didn't enjoy acting anymore,” McQueen said in a 2005 interview with the AP. “So, I decided to fully commit to racing.”

In a separate Instagram post, McQueen's son Chase wrote: “I'm a little relieved to know you are now reunited with your dad and sister. I love you until we ride again.”

Also paying tribute online were John Hurwitz, one of the creators of “Cobra Kai,” the “Karate Kid” revival that proved a hit for Netflix.

He said he and his colleagues met with McQueen to discuss returning to the series. Posting on X, Hurwitz described McQueen as a “Karate Kid legend”: “Unfortunately, Chad wasn't able to join us during the shoot. At the end of the day, it wasn't meant to be. But Dutch will always be remembered as a badass badass in the Miyagiverse. . He kicked ass.”

He added: “The fandom is mourning a Karate Kid legend today. I am very grateful that I had the honor of spending an afternoon with him. Sending lots of love and strength to his wonderful family. May Chad rest in peace.”