Chad McQueen, ‘Karate Kid’ Star and Son of Actor Steve McQueen, Dies at 63
McQueen reportedly suffered from organ failure after never fully recovering from a previously sustained injury.Chad McQueen, best known for his role in “Karate Kid” and as a famed race car driver, has died at the age of 63.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our father Chad McQueen,” read the statement from his wife, Jeanie, and their two children, Chase and Madison.
McQueen died on Sept. 11 at his home in Palm Desert, California, according to his attorney, Arthur H. Barens. No cause of death was disclosed.
McQueen had been suffering from progressively worsening organ failure after he sustained an injury back in 2020 that he never fully recovered from, according to his attorney, Arthur Barens.
“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 family wrote.
“He passed his passion, knowledge and dedication down to us and we will continue not only his legacy but our grandfather’s as well.”
Born Dec. 28, 1960, McQueen played “Dutch” the villain in 1984’s “The Karate Kid” before reprising the role two years later in the sequel “The Karate Kid Part II.”
He appeared in a number of supporting television roles and notable film credits, including “New York Cop” and starring roles in “Death Ring,” “Firepower,” and “Red Line.”
It wasn’t until the 1990s that McQueen decided to segue his career away from the entertainment business and into auto racing.
The crash left him with multiple injuries, including a broken left leg, ribs, and two spinal fractures.
McQueen is also survived by his son, actor Steven R. McQueen, from his first marriage, best known for his role in the fantasy supernatural drama “The Vampire Diaries.”
Tributes began pouring in across social media from friends and those who worked with McQueen, including “Fast N' Loud” star Richard Rawlings.
0 Comments