“Karate Kid” Star Chad McQueen Dies at 63

Chad McQueen, son of iconic actor Steve McQueen and widely recognized for his role in the *Karate Kid* films, passed away on Wednesday, September 11, at the age of 63. His family confirmed the news on social media, releasing a heartfelt statement honoring him as a “loving father.”

“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,” the post read. “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.”

“He passed his passion, knowledge and dedication down to us and we will continue not only his legacy but our grandfathers 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.”

 

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Chad McQueen was best known for his role as Dutch in the 1984 film *The Karate Kid*, a role he reprised in the sequel a few years later. He also appeared in several other films, including *Martial Law*, *Firepower*, and *Red Line*. However, McQueen eventually transitioned to a career in auto racing, following in the footsteps of his father, Steve McQueen, who shared the same passion for motorsports.

As reported by *Variety*, Chad McQueen competed professionally in prestigious racing events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring. He also founded McQueen Racing, a company dedicated to high-performance cars and motorcycles.

In 2006, Chad suffered a near-fatal crash while practicing for a race. Though he made a full recovery from his serious injuries, the accident marked the end of his professional racing career.

The McQueen family has not yet revealed the cause of Chad’s passing. He is survived by his wife, Jeanie, and their three children: Chase, Madison, and Steven.