Actor Chad McQueen, son of Steve McQueen, dies at 63: Chad McQueen, the actor who was most renowned for his portrayal of “Dutch” in The Karate Kid film series, passed away on Wednesday in Palm Springs. He was 63. In a statement to Variety, his wife, Jeanie, and their children, Chase and Madison, verified the news.
“We regret to inform you of the passing of our father, Chad McQueen.” He truly embodied a life of love and dedication through his extraordinary voyage as a loving father to us and his unwavering commitment to our mother. According to the family, his enthusiasm for racing not only underlined his exceptional aptitude but also served as a tribute to his father’s legacy, a testament to the principles he had internalized.
Chad McQueen’s career was not only influenced by his work in film but also by his lifelong passion for racing, a characteristic he inherited from his father, Steve McQueen, the iconic Hollywood star.
Who is actor Chad McQueen?
Frequently referred to as “The King of Cool,” Steve McQueen, Chad’s father, was a legendary actor. Terrence Stephen McQueen was born in Grove, Indiana, on March 24, 1930, into a challenging environment. Steve’s mother, a single parent who was struggling to provide for him, was at a loss to determine who should take care of him. He spent a significant amount of time with his grandparents and uncle Claude, who provided him with a tricycle and fostered his early interest in automobiles.
Steve McQueen surmounted his initial obstacles to become a Hollywood star under the guidance of manager Hilly Elkins. In his early career, he landed numerous television roles, including a minor role in Somebody Up There Likes Me, in which he starred alongside Paul Newman.
His breakthrough occurred as a result of Western television programs such as Trackdown, Tales of Wells Fargo, and Wanted Dead or Alive. Steve McQueen gained recognition for his roles in classic films such as The Great Escape and Bullitt as a result of his talent and charisma. Chad’s enthusiasm for racing, whether onscreen or off, had an indelible impact on him.
| Full Name | Chadwick Steven McQueen |
| Date of Birth | December 28, 1960 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Date of Death | September 11, 2024 |
| Place of Death | Palm Springs, California, USA |
| Occupation | Actor, Producer, Race Car Driver |
| Years Active | 1978–2001 (acting) |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
| Parents | Steve McQueen, Neile Adams |
| Spouse | Jeanie Galbraith (m. 1993) |
| Former Spouse | Stacey Rae Toten (m. 1987; div. 1990) |
| Children | 3 (including Steven R. McQueen) |
| Notable Roles | Dutch in “The Karate Kid” |
| Other Films | “The Karate Kid Part II”, “Firepower” |
| TV Appearances | “Hot Rod TV”, “Celebrity Rides” |
| Racing Career | Competed in SCCA, Baja 1000 |
| Racing Team | Westernesse Racing |
| Injuries | Serious accident in 2006 at Daytona |
| Documentaries | “I Am Steve McQueen”, “Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans.” |
| Awards | Telly Award for “Filming at Speed” |
| @chad_mcqueen | |
| Hobbies | Automobiles, Motorcycles, Racing |
| Education | Not publicly disclosed |
| Net Worth | Estimated $45 million |
| Cause of Death | Organ failure |
| Legacy | Continued father’s racing legacy |
| High School | Not publicly disclosed |
| Siblings | Terry McQueen (deceased) |
| Grandchildren | Not publicly disclosed |
| Favorite Car | Porsche 917 |
| Favorite Movie | Not publicly disclosed |
Chad McQueen’s Family and Personal Life
Chad’s personal life was characterized by two marriages. He was married to Stacey Toten, an actress noted for her roles in Back to School and Lovelines, from 1987 to 1990. Steven R. McQueen, their son, was born in 1988. Steven pursued a career in acting, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. He achieved widespread recognition for his roles in television series including Chicago Fire, The Vampire Diaries, and Chicago P.D.
In December 1993, Chad married Jeanie Galbraith. Madison, a daughter, was born in 1996, and Chase, a son, was born in 1995. Chad’s dedication to his family was a significant aspect of his life; his children remember him as a loving and devoted father.
Chad’s passion for motorsports evolved into a significant aspect of his identity, similar to his father. In addition to his career as an actor, he was also a devoted auto racer. The game was a means for him to continue his father’s legacy and the McQueen family’s fervor for rivalry and speed.
The departure of Chad McQueen signifies the conclusion of a life that was characterized by both personal passion and on-screen accomplishments. His work, family, and passion for motorsports will serve as a testament to his legacy, as they did for his father.
