Chad McQueen, the actor best known for his role as Dutch in the beloved “Karate Kid” franchise, passed away at 63 in his Palm Desert, California, home. Born into Hollywood royalty as the son of legendary actor Steve McQueen, Chad made his mark in the 1980s with his portrayal of the Cobra Kai bully who terrorized Ralph Macchio’s character, Daniel LaRusso. His performance in “The Karate Kid” (1984) and its sequel “The Karate Kid Part II” (1986) solidified his place in pop culture history, earning him a loyal fan base.
From Hollywood to the Racetrack: Following in His Father’s Footsteps
Despite his success in Hollywood, Chad McQueen’s passion for motorsports eventually eclipsed his acting career. Following in the footsteps of his father, who was an avid car enthusiast, Chad transitioned from acting to professional auto racing. His love for racing led him to compete in prestigious events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring. In a 2017 interview, Chad reflected on how his father’s passion for cars deeply influenced his own life, stating, “It screwed me up for life.”
A Brush with Death: The 2006 Racing Accident
In 2006, McQueen’s racing career was nearly cut short by a horrific accident while practicing for the Daytona International Speedway’s Rolex 24 event. The crash left him in a coma for almost a month, with severe injuries including a broken neck, leg, arm, ribs and a collapsed lung. Despite this near-fatal experience, McQueen never regretted his involvement in motorsports, describing it as “the strongest drug in the world.”
A Life Beyond the Camera
Chadwick Steven McQueen was born on December 28, 1960 in Los Angeles, California. He was the son of Steve McQueen, one of the most celebrated actors of the 1960s and 1970s and Neile Adams, a Filipino-American actress and dancer. Chad’s career in film began with a small role in the 1978 film “Skateboard” and over the years, he appeared in various films and television shows. However, his true calling seemed to be in the world of motorsports. In 2010, he founded McQueen Racing, a company dedicated to developing high-performance vehicles.
Survived by Family and a Lasting Legacy
Chad McQueen is survived by his first wife, actress Stacey Toten and their son, Steven R. McQueen, who has followed in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps as an actor. He is also survived by his second wife Jeanie and their two children, Chase and Madison. Chad’s legacy, both on screen and in the racing world, remains a testament to the indelible influence of his iconic father Steve McQueen and his own unique contributions to both film and motorsports.