He had a successful career in acting and racing
Chad McQueen, star of the Karate Kid and son of Steve McQueen, has died at the age of 63.
The sad news was announced by his family, with his lawyer Arthur Barens confirming the actor had passed away from organ failure.
The actor’s health complications were a result of a racing injury he sustained years ago.
TMZ reports that McQueen died surrounded by his wife Jeanie Galbraith, and his two children Chase McQueen and Madison McQueen at his ranch in Palm Springs.
In a post on social media, his family said: “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 honour his father’s legacy, a testament to the values instilled in him.
“He passed his passion, knowledge and dedication down to us and we will continue not only his legacy but our grandfather’s as well.
“As a family we need to navigate this difficult time and we kindly ask for privacy as we remember and celebrate his extraordinary life.”
McQueen was the son of film icon Steve McQueen, and he adopted his dad’s love for acting and racing.
He is perhaps best known for his role as Dutch in the 1984 film The Karate Kid and its 1986 sequel The Karate Kid Part II. The character was a supporting antagonist and part of Johnny Lawrence’s gang of bullies.
McQueen had a successful acting career, but it was his auto racing career which was more fruitful.
Speaking about his career choice, he told the Associated Press in 2005: “I didn’t find acting fun anymore. So, I decided to give racing a total commitment.”
He raced professionally, and competed in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, but was forced to retire in 2006 following a near-fatal crash while practising for the Daytona International Speedway’s Rolex 24 event.
He survived a broken lower leg and multiple vertebrae and rib fractures, but the crash ended his professional racing career.
McQueen was approached by Netflix about reprising his role as Dutch for their Karate Kid spin-off series Cobra Kai, but he turned down the offer, the Mirror reports.
