Chad McQueen, the actor known for his role as Dutch in the original "Karate Kid" and son of the legendary Steve McQueen, has passed away at the age of 63 in Palm Springs, California, due to organ failure¹.
McQueen’s family — his wife Jeanie and children Chase and Madison — confirmed his passing on Instagram. They wrote, “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. He passed his passion, knowledge, and dedication down to us, and we will continue not only his legacy but our grandfather’s as well.”
Chad McQueen’s breakthrough role came in the 1984 film "The Karate Kid," where he played one of Daniel's antagonists, portrayed by Ralph Macchio. He appeared in several other minor films and TV shows, with his last acting credit listed on IMDb in 2001. He also had producing credits, including the 2015 film "Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans."
In addition to acting, McQueen had a successful career in professional racing, competing in events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona. However, a series of injuries eventually forced him to stop racing. He then founded McQueen Racing, a company that creates custom cars, motorcycles, and accessories, which is now run by his children.
Reflecting on his career shift, McQueen told The Associated Press in a 2005 interview, “I didn’t find acting fun anymore, so I decided to give racing a total commitment.”
