Chad McQueen the son of Steve McQueen.The hit 1984 teen martial arts movie and its sequel, where he played Dutch, brought him the most fame.
Chad McQueen, renowned for his role as Dutch in the iconic “Karate Kid” series and the son of legendary actor Steve McQueen, has sadly passed away at the age of 63 at his home in Palm Desert, California.
His family honored him with a heartfelt social media tribute, sharing a nostalgic childhood photo alongside his famous father Steve McQueen. According to Arthur Barens a close friend and legal representative, the cause of death was organ failure.
Chad McQueen has made his mark in the entertainment industry, participating in over 25 films and television productions in various roles, including acting and producing. However, he is best known for his iconic portrayal of Dutch in the 1984 classic film “The Karate Kid.”
As a member of the Cobra Kai dojo, Dutch was a notorious bully who alongside Johnny Lawrence (played by William Zabka), enjoyed bullying others, particularly Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), during a memorable Halloween scene that showcased their cruel actions.
However, he didn’t remain in Hollywood for long after that; he decided to follow his father’s legacy by exploring into auto racing. “I was immersed in both worlds: film and motorsports, but I always felt a stronger pull towards motorsports.”
Chad McQueen shared in a 2017 interview with FlickFeast. He noted that his father’s passion for cars was so compelling that it left a lasting impression on him, saying, “It definitely influenced me for life.”
CHAD MCQUEEN’S Personal Life / Career
Chadwick Steven McQueen, born on December 28, 1960, in Los Angeles, comes from a well-known family in the entertainment industry. His father ( Steve McQueen ) was a leading movie star during the 1960s and 1970s, while his mother, Neile Adams, was an accomplished actress, singer, and dancer of Filipino American descent.
Growing up in Southern California, Chad began his film career with a notable role in the 1978 movie “Skateboard,” recognized as the first feature film to capture the skateboarding trend of the ’70s. He went on to star in several other films, including the wrestling-themed drama “Hadley’s Rebellion” (1983), the gambling-focused “Fever Pitch” (1985), and the action-packed “Surface to Air” (1998), which follows the journey of two brothers, one a Navy sailor and the other a Marine, on a mission in the Persian Gulf.
After his first marriage to actress Stacey Toten ended in divorce, he found love again with Jeanie Galbraith, who remains with him. He leaves behind a son from his first marriage, Steven R. McQueen, who has gained recognition for his performances in “The Vampire Diaries” and “Chicago Fire,” along with two children from his second marriage: a son named “Chase” and a daughter named “Madison”.