Chad McQueen, known for his role in The Karate Kid, paid a touching tribute to his iconic father, Steve McQueen, just months before his own unexpected death.
Chad passed away on Wednesday at the age of 63 due to organ failure at his home in Palm Desert, California, as reported by his longtime attorney, Arthur Barens.
A Tribute to Steve McQueen
Chad’s final Instagram post was a poignant nod to his father’s memory.
On March 24, 2023, which would have been Steve McQueen’s 93rd birthday, Chad shared a childhood photo of himself with Steve, writing, “Happy Birthday, Dad. I love and miss you.”
Steve McQueen, famous for his roles in classics like The Great Escape, passed away in 1980 at just 50 years old.
Chad’s Health Struggles and Final Moments
Chad had been battling severe organ failure, a condition exacerbated by a serious injury he sustained years earlier.
His final moments were spent surrounded by his children and his wife, Jeanie.
In a statement to Variety, Jeanie and their children, Chase and Madison, expressed their grief and admiration for Chad’s life.
They described him as a loving father and devoted husband, whose passion for racing honored his father’s legacy.
They also asked for privacy as they navigate this challenging time.
A Life in the Limelight and Racing
Born on December 28, 1960, Chad was the only son of Steve McQueen and his first wife, Neile Adams.
The couple also had a daughter, Terry Leslie McQueen, who sadly passed away in 1998.
Steve and Neile married in 1956 and divorced in 1972. Steve later married Ali McGraw and Barbara Minty before his death in 1980.
Chad McQueen initially followed in his father’s footsteps into acting, making his debut in the 1978 film Skateboard.
While he didn’t reach the same level of fame as his father, Chad did reprise his role as Dutch in The Karate Kid Part II.
Despite being approached to return for the popular series Cobra Kai, scheduling conflicts kept him from appearing.
Racing Passion and Legacy
Chad’s love for racing was deeply rooted, inspired by his father’s high-speed driving.
He became a skilled racer, competing in events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring.
However, his racing career was cut short by a severe crash in 2006.
The accident left him with multiple injuries, but he continued to support his passion through McQueen Racing, which he founded in 2010.
Chad is survived by his wife Jeanie, his children Steven, Chase, and Madison, and his mother Neile Adams, who is now 92.
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