Chad McQueen, ‘Karate Kid’ Actor and Son of Film Star Steve McQueen, Dies at 63

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Chad McQueen, ‘Karate Kid’ Actor and Son of Film Star Steve McQueen, Dies at 63

As a gamer who grew up in the ’80s, Chad McQueen was more than just a screen bully to me – he was a part of my childhood memories. Dutch from The Karate Kid was always that challenging adversary I loved to hate, and his absence in Cobra Kai was always a bit disappointing. But now, looking back at his life, it’s clear that Chad McQueen was more than just an actor. He was a son, a brother, a husband, a father, and a racing enthusiast.

Chad McQueen, son of Steve McQueen and a man who pursued both acting and auto racing, famously playing the antagonist Dutch in the initial two Karate Kid films, has passed away at the age of 63.

On Wednesday, McQueen passed away at his Palm Desert ranch due to organ failure, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, according to his longtime friend Arthur Barens. His health had been compromised after an accidental fall in 2020, from which he never fully recuperated.

In a statement on Instagram, his children Chase and Madison wrote:

He beautifully embodied a life of love and devotion through his role as our loving father and his unwavering commitment to our mother. His racing passion not only showcased his incredible skill but also served as a tribute to his father’s memory, reflecting the values he was raised with.

Through his enthusiasm, expertise, and devotion, he instilled these qualities in us. We’ll carry on not just his work but also our grandfather’s, honoring both their legacies. As a family, we’re facing challenging times, so we appreciate your understanding and respect for our need for privacy as we reflect upon and honor his extraordinary life.

In the movies The Karate Kid (1984) and The Karate Kid Part II (1986), McQueen portrayed the character Dutch, who wasn’t hesitant to cause trouble for Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso. However, he didn’t reappear in The Karate Kid Part III (1989) or the present Cobra Kai TV series. It was mentioned in these later works that Dutch was serving a prison sentence.

Chadwick Steven McQueen, an actor, was born on December 28, 1960, in Los Angeles and grew up in Malibu. His mother, Neile Adams, is a Filipino-born actress, and they were married from 1956 until their divorce in 1972.

His acting credits encompassed parts in various shows, such as “Skateboard” penned by Dick Wolf (1978), “Martial Law” (1991), “New York Cop” (1993), “Death Ring” (1992) and “Red Line” (1995).

Just like his father, McQueen held a passion for car racing and participated in numerous competitions. Tragically, an accident at the Daytona International Speedway during practice runs for the 24 Hours of Daytona race in 2006 brought an end to his racing career.

The business known as McQueen Racing, established back in 2010, is currently managed by Chase and Madison. They specialize in designing and building top-tier automobiles and motorbikes with impressive performance capabilities.

Steve McQueen, undoubtedly, was the lead actor in movies like “The Great Escape” (1963), “The Cincinnati Kid” (1965), “The Sand Pebbles” (1966), “The Thomas Crown Affair” (1968), “Bullitt” (1968) and “The Getaway” (1972).

Back in 1980, when I was just 19 years old, Chad tragically passed away from a heart attack following his valiant struggle against cancer at the age of 50. His precious daughter, Terry, also left us too soon in 1998, at only 38 years of age.

Apart from Chad, there are additionally his mom, his spouse Jeanie (who is his second), and his son Steven – a renowned actor recognized for his roles in shows like ‘The Vampire Diaries’ and its spinoff ‘Legacies’.

Memorial donations may be given to Boys Republic, an organization that offers a safe haven and assistance to underprivileged kids.

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2024-09-13 02:24