1776Reporting
The world of the “Karate Kid” franchise has been struck with sorrow, as one of its memorable figures, Chad McQueen, has passed away at the age of 63. Best known for his portrayal of Dutch in the iconic films, McQueen was also the son of the legendary Steve McQueen, a Hollywood icon whose name is etched in film history.
Born Chadwick Steve McQueen, the actor took his final breath on Wednesday, September 11, at his residence in Palm Desert, California. The sad news was shared by his attorney, Arthur Barens, who told TMZ that McQueen had been battling health issues. It was revealed that an injury he sustained a few years prior had eventually led to organ failure.
“He passed peacefully, surrounded by those he loved,” Barens shared. McQueen’s children, his life partner, and his attorney were by his side during his final moments. The loss of the beloved actor has sent waves of grief through his family and fans alike.
The heartbreaking news was also confirmed by McQueen’s wife, Jeanie, along with two of his children, Madison and Chase, through a statement on Instagram. They shared, “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our father Chad McQueen.” The message, posted on both Chad and Steve McQueen’s Instagram accounts, included two touching black-and-white photographs of the late actor.
In their heartfelt statement, McQueen’s family reflected on his legacy as a father and the values he passed on to them. “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. 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,” they shared.
The family further expressed their determination to continue honoring Chad’s legacy, as well as that of their legendary grandfather, Steve McQueen. “He passed his passion, knowledge, and dedication down to us and we will continue not only his legacy but our grandfather’s as well,” the statement read. As they grieve, the family has asked for privacy, stating, “As a family, we need to navigate this difficult time and we kindly ask for privacy as we remember and celebrate his extraordinary life.”
The post was signed with deep emotion: “With heartfelt gratitude, Jeanie, Chase, and Madison.”
In addition to his two children with Jeanie, McQueen is survived by his son Steven R. McQueen, known for his role in “The Vampire Diaries.” Steven is Chad’s son from his first marriage to Stacey Toten, which ended in 1990 after three years.
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Chad McQueen carved his own path in both acting and auto racing, two passions he inherited from his father. Apart from his famous role as Dutch in both “The Karate Kid” (1984) and its sequel “The Karate Kid II” (1986), McQueen was also known for his appearances in films like “Firepower” (1993) and “Surface to Air” (1998).
McQueen was deeply devoted to preserving his father’s legacy. He produced two acclaimed documentaries about Steve McQueen: “I Am Steve McQueen” (2014) and “Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans” (2015), both of which earned praise for their deep dive into the life of the legendary actor.
Beyond acting, Chad followed his father’s love for auto racing. While fans eagerly hoped to see him reprise his role as Dutch in the popular “Karate Kid” spinoff series “Cobra Kai,” McQueen decided to focus on his business, McQueen Racing, which specializes in automotive projects, films, and motorcycles.
His life, however, was not without its close calls. In 2006, Chad McQueen narrowly escaped death following a serious crash while practicing for the Daytona International Speedway’s Rolex 24 race. Variety reported that the accident left him with severe injuries, but McQueen’s resilience saw him return to his passion for racing and automotive ventures.
Chad McQueen’s death marks the end of an era for both “Karate Kid” fans and those who admired him for carrying forward the McQueen legacy. His contributions to both film and racing will be remembered, and his dedication to family and passion will live on through his children.
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