Actor famous for ‘Karate Kid’ role passes away at 63

PALM DESERT, California — Chad McQueen, known for his role as Dutch in the iconic 1984 film The Karate Kid and the son of legendary actor Steve McQueen, has passed away at the age of 63, according to reports.

McQueen’s family — including his wife Jeanie and children Chase and Madison — confirmed his death via an emotional post on Instagram. The tribute highlighted McQueen’s role as a devoted father and husband:

“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 read. “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 breakout role came in The Karate Kid, where he portrayed Dutch, one of the bullies antagonizing Ralph Macchio’s character, Daniel LaRusso. Although his acting career included other films and TV appearances, his most notable work remained within the Karate Kid universe. His last acting credit, according to IMDb, was in 2001. McQueen also took on producing roles, including a 2015 documentary about his father titled Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans.

Despite early success in acting, McQueen eventually shifted his focus to a different passion — professional racing. He competed in prestigious events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona, following in his father’s footsteps as an automotive enthusiast.

“I didn’t find acting fun anymore,” McQueen shared in a 2005 interview with The Associated Press. “So I decided to give racing a total commitment.”

However, a series of injuries later forced him to retire from competitive racing. Not one to slow down, McQueen founded McQueen Racing, a company dedicated to building custom cars, motorcycles, and accessories. His children have since taken over the business, ensuring that the McQueen legacy of speed and style continues.

Chad McQueen leaves behind not just a legacy of memorable movie roles and racing accolades but also a deeply personal family connection to the world of motorsports and acting. His death marks the end of an era, but his legacy — both through his family and his contributions to film and racing — will live on.

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