PALM DESERT, Calif. — Chad McQueen, who played Dutch in the original 1984 “Karate Kid” film and was the son of acting legend Steve McQueen, has reportedly died at the age of 63.
McQueen’s family – his wife Jeanie and his children Chase and Madison – confirmed his father’s death in a post on Instagram.
“His remarkable journey as a loving father to us and his unwavering devotion to our mother truly exemplified a life of love and dedication,” the post said. “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. He passed on his passion, knowledge and dedication to us and we will carry on not only his legacy, but that of our grandfather as well.”
Chad McQueen’s breakthrough as an actor came with his role in The Karate Kid, where he was one of the antagonists of Daniel, played by Ralph Macchio. He has appeared in several other smaller films and television shows; his last appearance on IMDB was listed in 2001. He has worked as a producer on several films, including a 2015 film about his father, Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans.
McQueen was a professional racing driver for many years and took part in the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans and Daytona.
“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.”
A series of injuries forced him to end his racing career. He eventually founded McQueen Racing, a company that produces custom cars, motorcycles and accessories. Today, his children run the company.
(The Associated Press contributed to this article.)
