Chad McQueen, son of racing and acting legend Steve McQueen, has passed away at 63.
Known for his role in The Karate Kid and a celebrated racing career, he leaves behind a lasting legacy.
Content Highlights
- Chad McQueen passed away at 63 in Palm Springs on Sept. 11.
- Son of Steve McQueen, a Hollywood icon and racing legend.
- Chad played Dutch in The Karate Kid and left Hollywood to pursue sports car racing.
- Family tributes highlight his dedication as a father and his passion for racing.
- Chad survived a near-fatal crash in 2006 but continued to honor his father’s legacy.
- Tributes from family, friends, and celebrities like Richard Rawlings pour in.
An accomplished race car driver and actor in his own right, Chad’s family confirmed his passing in a heartfelt statement following his death on September 11 in Palm Springs, California.
A Son Who Honored His Father’s Legacy
Chad, who played Dutch in the iconic Karate Kid movies, leaves behind not only a remarkable legacy in film but also in the world of motorsports.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our father, Chad McQueen,” began the statement from his wife, Jeanie, and their two children, Chase and Madison.
“His passion for racing and unwavering love for our family defined his life, and his dedication will continue to inspire us.”
A man deeply committed to both his family and his father’s legacy, Chad built a career that paid homage to Steve McQueen’s fearless spirit.
After making a name for himself in Hollywood with roles in Death Ring, Firepower, and Red Line, Chad shifted his focus to sports car racing in the 1990s.
His love for speed and adrenaline, instilled by his father, took center stage in his life and became the hallmark of his career.
A Legacy of Courage and Determination
Chad’s journey was marked by both triumph and tragedy. In 2006, while training for the 24 Hours of Daytona, he survived a near-fatal crash that reshaped his outlook but never diminished his passion for racing.
He founded McQueen Racing in 2010, continuing his father’s legacy of pushing boundaries and setting new standards in the world of high-performance vehicles.
In a touching reflection on his father’s influence, Chad once shared, “A lot of my values are like my dad’s. Growing up, I didn’t always understand why he distanced himself from people, but as I’ve gotten older, I see it now.”
A Life Dedicated to Family
Chad’s devotion to his family was as fierce as his love for racing. Married to Jeanie since 1993, Chad embraced his role as a father to their two children, Chase and Madison.
His family shared in their statement, “His remarkable journey as a loving father and husband, along with his commitment to our mother, truly exemplified a life filled with love and dedication.”
His children will continue to carry forward both Chad and Steve’s legacies, ensuring that the McQueen name remains synonymous with perseverance, strength, and passion.
“He passed down his love for racing, his knowledge, and his unwavering commitment to excellence. We will honor that legacy and our grandfather’s as we move forward,” they added.
Tributes to a Legend
The news of Chad’s passing sent ripples through both Hollywood and the racing community.
Richard Rawlings, star of Fast N’ Loud, was among the first to pay tribute, sharing, “The McQueen legacy is one of a kind, and Chad kept that cool, fearless spirit alive. Rest easy, Chad.”
Chad McQueen’s legacy, much like his father’s, will continue to inspire future generations, both on and off the racetrack.
As his family navigates this difficult time, they have requested privacy to mourn and celebrate his extraordinary life, one defined by love, courage, and an unbreakable bond to the McQueen legacy.
Chad McQueen’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy of bravery, passion, and family loyalty will forever be remembered.