Karate Kid star Chad McQueen is dead at 63: Son of legendary actor Steve McQueen passes away from organ failure after injury years earlier
Chad McQueen, who played a supporting role in the original Karate Kid film, has died at the age of 63.
McQueen died Wednesday of organ failure at his home in Palm Desert, California, his longtime attorney Arthur Barens said. TMZ.
McQueen was not only known as an actor, but was also the son of iconic star Steve McQueen.
According to his lawyer, McQueen was suffering from progressive organ failure, caused by a serious injury he suffered years earlier and which ultimately led to his death.
He was reportedly surrounded by his children and wife Jeanie in his final moments.
Chad McQueen, who played a supporting role in the original Karate Kid film, has died at the age of 63; pictured in Los Angeles in 2004
McQueen played Dutch, a member of the villainous Cobra Kai gang in The Karate Kid (1984)
In a statement to Variety, McQueen’s wife Jeanie and his children Chase and Madison wrote: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father, Chad McQueen. His remarkable journey as a loving father to us, along with his unwavering devotion to our mother, was truly an example of a life filled with love and dedication.
“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,” they continued.
“He passed on his passion, knowledge and dedication to us, and we will continue not only his legacy, but that of our grandfather,” McQueen’s family concluded. “As a family, we must navigate this difficult time, and we kindly ask for privacy as we remember and celebrate his extraordinary life.”
After his role in the original 1984 Karate Kid film, McQueen reprised his role in The Karate Kid Part II, which was released in 1986.
His character, Dutch, was one of the most reckless and aggressive members of the Cobra Kai series, but unlike many of his co-stars, McQueen never appeared in the popular sequel series Cobra Kai, which debuted on YouTube Red before moving to Netflix, where its sixth and final season is scheduled to wrap sometime next year.
In 2019, co-creator Josh Heald Entertainment weekly that McQueen had been approached to reprise his role as Dutch.
However, due to scheduling issues, he was unable to appear, so his character was described as being in prison, leaving open the possibility of him appearing at a later date.
Chad (R) was the son of legendary Hollywood star Steve McQueen (pictured left on the set of his film Le Mans in 1971)
According to his attorney, McQueen died at his home in Palm Desert, California, surrounded by his wife Jeanie and children; pictured in 2015 in North Hollywood