Chad McQueen, son of legendary Hollywood actor Steve McQueen, has died. He was 63 years old.
Chad McQueen’s family announced his death on social media on Wednesday, calling his life a “remarkable journey.”
“He passed on his passion, knowledge and dedication to us and we will continue not only his legacy but that of our grandfathers,” they wrote under an Instagram photo of McQueen in a classic convertible on his verified account.
McQueen died on Wednesday, his lawyer Arthur Barens confirmed to The Associated Press. A cause of death was not disclosed.
McQueen is best known for his role as Dutch in 1984’s The Karate Kid and its 1986 sequel The Karate Kid II.
The family asked for privacy as they “go through this difficult time and … as we remember and celebrate his extraordinary life.”
The Los Angeles-born actor later took up racing and founded McQueen Racing, but he retired from racing in the mid-2000s after suffering serious injuries.
“His passion for racing not only highlighted his exceptional talent, but was also a way to honor his father’s legacy, a testament to the values instilled in him,” his family wrote.
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McQueen was also known for his role as Darren Braniff in the 1993 action film Firepower alongside Gary Daniels. He also served as executive producer on several films, including two documentaries about Steve McQueen: I Am Steve McQueen and Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans.
McQueen was one of two children and the only son of his father and famous film antihero Steve McQueen, known as the “King of Cool”. Steve McQueen, also a racing driver, died in 1980 at the age of 50.
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The actor leaves behind three children – Steven, Chase and Madison – and his wife Jeanie Galbraith.
Steven McQueen followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather and is best known for his role as Jeremy Gilbert in “The Vampire Diaries”.
