Chad McQueen, ‘Karate Kid’ Actor and Son of Steve McQueen, Dies at 63

Chad McQueen, an actor known for his performances in the Karate Kid movies and the son of the late actor and race car driver Steve McQueen, has died. He was 63.

McQueen’s attorney and friend Arthur H. Barens confirmed to The Associated Press that he died Wednesday. The cause of death was not disclosed. His wife, Jeanie, and his children, Chase and Madison, shared a statement on Instagram Thursday afternoon from McQueen’s verified account, announcing the news of his death with “a heavy heart.”

AARP Membership— $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal

Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. 

Join Now

“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,” the statement reads.

“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.

The family requested privacy while they “remember and celebrate his extraordinary life.”

Actor Steve McQueen, left, relaxes with his son Chad as he stars in the movie "Le Mans" on June 24, 1971 in Le Mans, France.

Anwar Hussein/Getty Images

McQueen followed in his father’s footsteps, pursuing both acting and race car driving. He became well-known for his role as Dutch, the antagonist in 1984’s The Karate Kid, and its sequel two years later.

While he starred in several films after the hit action franchise, including New York Cop, Squanderers and Red Line, he ultimately engaged more in racing than acting, and he eventually founded McQueen Racing, a company that creates custom cars, motorcycles and accessories. His son, Chase, who also races, and his daughter, Madison, now run the company.

“I didn’t find acting fun anymore,” McQueen told The Associated Press in a 2005 interview. “So, I decided to give racing a total commitment.”

McQueen raced professionally for years, competing in the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona races before he suffered from a series of injuries behind the wheel.