Chad McQueen, an actor best known for his roles in the “Karate Kid” films and son of the late actor and race car driver Steve McQueen, has died. He was 63.
McQueen’s attorney and friend, Arthur H. Barens, verified to The Associated Press that he died Wednesday. The cause of death was not revealed. His wife Jeanie and children Chase and Madison posted a statement on Instagram Thursday afternoon from McQueen’s verified account, mourning his passing with “a heavy heart.”
Actor Chad McQueen, Son Of Steve McQueen, Dies At 63
“His incredible journey as a loving father to us, together with his everlasting commitment to our mother, demonstrated a life of 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 says.
“He passed his passion, knowledge and dedication down to us and we will continue not only his legacy but our grandfathers as well,” said another statement.
The family has requested privacy to “remember and celebrate his extraordinary life.”
McQueen followed in his father’s footsteps by pursuing both acting and racecar driving. He rose to prominence as Dutch, the antagonist in 1984’s “The Karate Kid,” and its sequel two years later.
While he appeared in other films following the blockbuster action franchise, including “New York Cop,” “Squanderers,” and “Red Line,” he soon became more interested in racing than acting, and he created McQueen Racing, a firm that manufactures custom vehicles, motorcycles, and accessories. His son Chase, who also competes, and daughter Madison now operate the business.
McQueen raced professionally for years, partaking in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans and 24 Hours of Daytona races until suffering a series of injuries behind the wheel.
Actor Chad McQueen, Son Of Steve McQueen, Dies At 63
His involvement with McQueen Racing was intended to maintain and continue his father’s legacy. McQueen also made two documentaries about his father, “I Am Steve McQueen” and “Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans.”
McQueen was the only child of his father and mother, Neile Toffel. He had one sister, Terry, who died of respiratory failure at age 38 in 1998. He is left by his wife Jeanie and three children: Chase, Madison, and Steven, an actor best known for “The Vampire Diaries.”
SOURCE | AP
