Chad McQueen, the son of iconic actor Steve McQueen and known for his role as “Dutch” in The Karate Kid film series, passed away on Wednesday in Palm Springs at the age of 63, according to the Hollywood Reporter. His family, including his wife Jeanie and his children Chase and Madison, confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement to Variety.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our father, Chad McQueen. 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,” the family shared. “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.”
The statement continued: “He passed his passion, knowledge, and dedication down to us, and we will continue not only his legacy but our grandfather’s as well. As a family, we need to navigate this difficult time, and we kindly ask for privacy as we remember and celebrate his extraordinary life.”
Chad McQueen was best known for his portrayal of “Dutch” in The Karate Kid (1984) and The Karate Kid Part II (1986), where he played a ruthless Cobra Kai member. His character encouraged Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) to attack Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) at the Halloween dance, creating one of the film’s most memorable confrontations. In the sequel series Cobra Kai, it is revealed that Dutch has been in prison, though scheduling issues prevented McQueen from making an appearance.
Beyond acting, McQueen followed his father’s passion for auto racing. He had a successful career in motorsports, competing professionally in prestigious events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring. He also founded McQueen Racing, a company that develops high-performance cars and motorcycles, continuing his family’s legacy of automotive enthusiasm.
In 2006, McQueen’s racing career came to an abrupt end after a near-fatal crash during a practice session for the Daytona International Speedway’s Rolex 24 event. Although he survived, the crash marked the conclusion of his professional racing days. However, he remained involved in motorsports through his company and other ventures.
Born in Los Angeles on December 28, 1960, and raised in Malibu, Chad McQueen is survived by his wife Jeanie, his children Chase, Madison, and Steven, a professional actor best known for his role in The Vampire Diaries.