Chad McQueen, son of Steve McQueen and star of “Karate Kid”, fails
Chad McQueen, known for his work in “The Karate Kid” and as the son of famous actor Steve McQueen, has gone bankrupt at age 63. His friend, Arthur H. Barens, confirmed the news to the Associated Press, reporting that Chad had died of cancer.
McQueen gained recognition in 1984 for playing a Dutchman, the rival of protagonist Ralph Macchio in the iconic art film Martial Arts. Since then, he has continued his career in both acting and motorsports, following in the footsteps of his famous father.
His wife, Jeanie Galbraith, found Chad’s tribute on Instagram along with her son Chase and daughter Madison. The family expressed their sadness, saying his legacy as a father and his dedication to his mother reflected a life full of love and commitment. “His passion for his career not only brought out his exceptional talent, but he also honored his father’s legacy by passing on his passion and knowledge,” they wrote.
In addition to his role in “The Karate Kid,” Chad McQueen reprised his character in the 1986 sequel and has worked on other film productions. He also served as a producer on two documentaries about his father: “I Am Steve McQueen” (2014) and “Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans” (2015).
Steve McQueen, a legend of action movies in the 1960s, failed in 1980 at the age of 50 during an operation to remove a tumor. Chad, like his father, cultivated an intense passion for cars and participated in professional competitions, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona, although he suffered several injuries due to his dedication to the carreras.
In 2010, he founded McQueen Racing, where he worked alongside his sons Chase and Madison, creating custom vehicles and motorcycles, as well as working with the film industry. In a 2005 interview, McQueen mentioned that he had lost interest in acting and decided to focus entirely on his racing career.
Chase McQueen, his son, shared on Instagram that he was heartened to know that Chad was reunited with his father and sister. Producer Jon Hurwitz, one of the creators of “Cobra Kai,” the excellent “Karate Kid” revival on Netflix, also echoed McQueen’s tribute. Hurwitz revealed that he had planned to reunite with him to discuss a possible return to the series.
In an X publication, Hurwitz described Chad as a “Karate Kid legend” and expressed his sadness at not being able to meet him in the film. “The fandom cries today to a Karate Kid legend,” he wrote, sending love and support to his family. Chad McQueen will be remembered not only for his connection to cinema, but also for his passion for speed and his dedication to his family.
