PALM DESERT, California — Chad McQueen, who played Dutch in the original “Karate Kid” in 1984 and the son of acting legend Steve McQueen, has died at the age of 63, reports say.
McQueen’s family — 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, along with his unwavering commitment to our mother, truly exemplified a life filled with love and dedication,” the post says. “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. He passed his passion, knowledge and dedication down to us and we will continue not only his legacy but our grandfather’s as well.”
Chad McQueen’s breakthrough acting role came in the “Karate Kid,” where he was one of the antagonists of Daniel, played by Ralph Macchio. He starred in several other minor films and TV shows, with his last credit listed on IMDB in 2001. He had several producing credits, including a film about his father, “Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans” in 2015.
McQueen raced professionally for years, competing in the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona races.
“I didn’t find acting fun anymore,” McQueen told The Associated Press in a 2005 interview. “So I decided to give racing a total commitment.”
A series of injuries forced him to stop competing behind the wheel. He eventually founded McQueen Racing, a company that creates custom cars, motorcycles, and accessories. His children now run the company.
(The Associated Press contributed to this story.)
