Chad McQueen, the late Hollywood superstar Steve McQueen’s only son and an actor in his own right who starred in the Karate Kid franchise as the character “Dutch,” died on Wednesday from organ failure, according to his attorney. He was 63.
According to the tabloid, McQueen died at his ranch home in Palm Desert, California, with his family present. A earlier injury is said to have caused the organ failure that led to his death. On McQueen’s Instagram Thursday, his wife, Jeanie, and children, Chase and Madison, posted a statement that read: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our father Chad McQueen. His remarkable journey as a loving father to us, along with his unwavering loyalty to our mother, truly exemplified a life filled with love and dedication.
“His passion for racing not only showcased his great talent, but it also acted as a tribute to his father’s legacy, demonstrating the principles instilled in him. He passed down his enthusiasm, knowledge, and dedication to us, and we shall carry on not only his heritage, but also that of our grandfathers. McQueen’s breakthrough Hollywood role came after he was cast as Dutch in the Karate Kid franchise. He played the character in both the original 1984 film The Karate Kid and “The Karate Kid II,” which was released two years later. Chad has appeared in 26 films and television shows during his more than two-decade career. His debut performance was as a skateboarder in the 1978 sports drama Skateboard. His final part was in the 2001 action film Fall: The Price of Silence. Chad was also the founder of McQueen Racing, and he frequently shared car-related posts on social media.
