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

Chad McQueen arrives at the screening of TCM's documentary "Steve McQueen: The Essence of Cool" in Los Angeles on May 24, 2005. Michael Buckner/Getty Images

Chad McQueen, best known for his role in “Karate Kid” and as a famed race car driver, has died at the age of 63.

His family confirmed the news of his death in a Sept. 12 Instagram post.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our father Chad McQueen,” read the statement from his wife, Jeanie, and their two children, Chase and Madison.

McQueen died on Sept. 11 at his home in Palm Desert, California, according to his attorney, Arthur H. Barens. No cause of death was disclosed.

McQueen had been suffering from progressively worsening organ failure after he sustained an injury back in 2020 that he never fully recovered from, according to his attorney, Arthur Barens.

“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 family wrote.

Chad is the son of celebrated actor Steve McQueen, who died of cancer in 1980 at age 50. He followed in his father’s footsteps in both acting and racing.

“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 read.

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

Born Dec. 28, 1960, McQueen played “Dutch” the villain in 1984’s “The Karate Kid” before reprising the role two years later in the sequel “The Karate Kid Part II.”

He appeared in a number of supporting television roles and notable film credits, including “New York Cop” and starring roles in “Death Ring,” “Firepower,” and “Red Line.”

It wasn’t until the 1990s that McQueen decided to segue his career away from the entertainment business and into auto racing.

He completed annual racing events such as the “24 Hours of Le Mans” and the “12 Hours of Sebring” before suffering a near-fatal crash in 2016 while training for the Daytona International Speedway’s Rolex 24 event.

The crash left him with multiple injuries, including a broken left leg, ribs, and two spinal fractures.

Outside of the cockpit, he went on to found McQueen Racing in 2010, which builds custom high-end performance cars and motorcycles. His two children now run the company.

“Together, Chase and Madison form a dynamic team, upholding their father’s legacy while infusing their own passion for the joy of racing,” the company’s website read.

McQueen is also survived by his son, actor Steven R. McQueen, from his first marriage, best known for his role in the fantasy supernatural drama “The Vampire Diaries.”

Tributes began pouring in across social media from friends and those who worked with McQueen, including “Fast N' Loud” star Richard Rawlings.

“I just heard the terrible news of Chad McQueen’s passing. The McQueen legacy is one of a kind, and Chad kept that cool, fearless spirit alive. ... Our thoughts are with the McQueen family,” Rawlings wrote in a Facebook post. “Rest easy, Chad.”