Chad McQueen obit

 

Chad McQueen, ‘The Karate Kid’ Star and Steve McQueen’s Son, Dies at 63

He was not on the list.

Chad McQueen, son of the legendary actor Steve McQueen who played “Dutch” in “The Karate Kid” film series, died Wednesday in Palm Springs. He was 63.

His wife Jeanie and his children Chase and Madison said in a 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,” reads the statement. “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.”

It continues: “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.”

McQueen is best known for his role as “Dutch” in “The Karate Kid” (1984) and its sequel, “The Karate Kid Part II” (1986). His portrayal of one of the Cobra Kai members was iconic in ’80s pop culture. His character, in particular, exhibited a merciless attitude and encouraged Johnny Lawrence (played by William “Billy” Zabka) to brutally beat up Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) during the night of the Halloween dance.

His character also mocks and threatens the New Jersey native before the All-Valley Tournament. During the second season of the TV series “Cobra Kai,” it is revealed that Dutch has been serving time in prison. Though there were talks of McQueen potentially appearing in the show, scheduling issues reportedly prevented it.

Although he would continue to appear in other films, such as “New York Cop” (1993) and “Red Line” (1995), his film career was not as extensive as his father’s. Following in his father’s footsteps, however, McQueen had a successful career in auto racing, his true passion. He competed professionally in events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring and founded McQueen Racing, a company that develops high-performance cars and motorcycles, continuing the family legacy of passion for automobiles.

In 2006, McQueen suffered a near-fatal crash while practicing for the Daytona International Speedway’s Rolex 24 event. Though he eventually pulled through, the crash effectively ended his professional racing career, but he has remained involved in motorsports through his company and other ventures.

McQueen was born in Los Angeles on Dec. 28, 1960. He was raised in Malibu.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanie, and his children, Chase, Madison and Steven, a professional actor best known for his role in “The Vampire Diaries.”

 

Filmography

Year     Title            Role            Notes

1978            Skateboard            Competition Skateboarder #21     

1983            Hadley's Rebellion            Rick Stanton

1984    The Karate Kid            Dutch  

1985    Fever Pitch            Prisoner          

The Fascination                       

1986    The Karate Kid Part II  Dutch  

1991    Martial Law     Sean Thompson       

1992    Death Ring            "Skylord" Harris          

1993    New York Cop            Hawk  

Firepower            Darren Braniff 

1994    Sexual Malice  David  

Jimmy Hollywood            Audition Partner         

Indecent Behavior II            Darrell Martine           

Bullet II            Bullet   

1995            Number One Fan            Zane Barry   

1996    Red Line      Jim      

Squanderers            John    

1998            Papertrail         William Frost   

Surface to Air            Lt. Dylan "Raven" Massin

2001    The Fall       Manny Carlotti Final acting role