A popular actor who stole the screen with his role as Cobra Kai “Dutch” in the “Karate Kid” movies and his career as a car race driver, Chad McQueen, died at the age of 63 years old, as contained in a statement that was released to social media by his family.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our father Chad McQueen,” his wife Jeanie and children Chase and Madison wrote in an Instagram post. “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 continued, pointing out the connection between Chad and Steve McQueen. “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,” their statement concluded, before being signed, “With heartfelt gratitude.”
The actor took from his popular father, Steve McQueen, who was also a professional car race driver and an actor who featured in movies like “The Magnificent Seven.”
Chad McQueen’s major focus was on his car race driving, despite featuring in movies like the “Karate Kid” series, “New York Cop” (1993), and “Red Line” (1995).
He started his car racing career as early as the age of 10 on the set of his father, Steve McQueen’s, film, “Le Mans.” He clinched his class at the World Mini Grand Prix at the age of 12.
Chad competed professionally in many high-profile events, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring throughout his professional car racing career.
The car racer encountered a near-fatal accident sometime around 2006, while he was practicing to participate in the Rolex 24 event that occurred at Daytona International Speedway. The accident painfully did not allow him to participate further in professional racing, but yet he did not leave the sport.
He went on to establish McQueen Racing in 2010, a company that two of his children now manage with the aim of developing high-performance cars and motorcycles. He made two documentaries, “Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans” and “I Am Steve McQueen,” in honor of his father and the life he lived.
Chad left behind his wife, Jeanie, and his three children: Chase, Madison, and Steven – a third-generation actor who is famous for his role in “The Vampire Diaries.”