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‘The Karate Kid’ actor and son of Steve was 63

Vaseline September 13, 2024

Chad McQueen, son of legendary Hollywood colleague Steve McQueen, has died. He was 63.

Chad McQueen’s family announced his death on social media on Wednesday, calling his life a “remarkable journey.”

“He passed on his passion, knowledge and dedication to us and we will continue not only his legacy, but that of our grandfathers,” read the caption under an Instagram photo of McQueen in a classic convertible on his verified account.

McQueen died Wednesday, his attorney, Arthur Barens, confirmed to The Associated Press. A cause of death has not been released.

McQueen is best known for his role as Dutch in 1984’s “The Karate Kid” and its 1986 sequel, “The Karate Kid Part II.”

The family asked for privacy as they “move through this difficult time and … as we remember and celebrate his extraordinary life.”

The Los Angeles-born actor later turned to racing, founding McQueen Racing. He retired from racing in the mid-2000s after suffering serious injuries.

“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,” his family wrote.

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McQueen was also known for his role in the 1993 action film “Firepower” as Darren Braniff, opposite Gary Daniels. He also served as executive producer on a number of films, including two Steve McQueen documentaries: “I Am Steve McQueen” and “Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans.”

McQueen was one of two children and the only son of father and famous antihero Steve McQueen, known as the “King of Cool”. Steve McQueen, also a racing driver, died in 1980 at the age of 50.

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The actor is survived by three children: Steven, Chase and Madison, and his wife Jeanie Galbraith.

Steven McQueen followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather and is best known for his leading role in “The Vampire Diaries” as Jeremy Gilbert.