Chad McQueen, an actor known for his performances in the “Karate Kid” films and son of the late actor and race car driver Steve McQueen, has died. He was 63 years old.

McQueen’s attorney and friend Arthur H. Barens confirmed to The Associated Press that he died on Wednesday. The cause of death was not disclosed. His wife Jeanie and children Chase and Madison released a statement on Instagram Thursday afternoon from McQueen’s verified account, where the news of his death was announced “with a heavy heart.”

“His remarkable journey as a loving father to us and his unwavering devotion to our mother truly exemplified a life of love and dedication. His passion for racing not only highlighted his extraordinary talent, but was also a way of honoring his father’s legacy, a testament to the values ​​instilled in him,” the statement said.

“He has passed on his passion, knowledge and dedication to us and we will continue not only his legacy but that of our grandfathers,” the statement continued.

The family asked for privacy while they “honor and celebrate his extraordinary life.”

McQueen followed in his father’s footsteps and became both an actor and a racing driver. He is best known for his role as Dutch, the antagonist in 1984’s The Karate Kid and its sequel two years later.

Although he appeared in several films after the successful action series, including “New York Cop,” “Squanderers,” and “Red Line,” he ultimately became more interested in racing than acting and eventually founded McQueen Racea company that makes custom cars, motorcycles and accessories. His son Chase, who also races, and his daughter Madison now run the company.

“I didn’t enjoy acting anymore,” McQueen said in a 2005 interview with the Associated Press. “So I decided to devote myself full-time to racing.”

McQueen was a professional racing driver for many years, competing in the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans and Daytona, before suffering a series of injuries while behind the wheel.

His work in McQueen racing aimed to preserve and continue his father’s legacy. McQueen also produced two documentaries about his father: “I Am Steve McQueen” and “Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans.”

McQueen was the only son of his father and mother Neile Toffel. He had a sister, Terry, who died of respiratory arrest at the age of 38 in 1998. He leaves behind his wife Jeanie and three children, Chase, Madison and Steven, an actor best known from “The Vampire Diaries”.