Chad McQueen, ‘Karate Kid’ movie star and son of Steve McQueen, dies at 63

Chad McQueen's wife and children shared a statement announcing the news of his death with "a heavy heart."

Chad McQueen, an actor known for his performances in the Karate Kid movies and the son of the late actor and race car driver Steve McQueen, has died. He was 63.

McQueen’s lawyer and friend Arthur H. Barens confirmed to The Associated Press that he died Wednesday. The cause of death was not disclosed. His wife Jeanie and his children Chase and Madison shared a statement on Instagram Thursday afternoon from McQueen’s verified account, announcing the news of his death with “a heavy heart.”

“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. 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,” the statement reads.

“He passed his passion, knowledge and dedication down to us and we will continue not only his legacy but our grandfathers as well,” the statement continued.

The family requested privacy while they “remember and celebrate his extraordinary life.”

McQueen followed in his father’s footsteps, pursuing both acting and race car driving. He became well-known for his role as Dutch, the antagonist in 1984’s The Karate Kid, and its sequel two years later.

While he starred in several films after the hit action franchise, including New York Cop, Squanderers and Red Line, he ultimately engaged more in racing than acting, and he eventually founded McQueen Racing, a company that creates custom cars, motorcycles, and accessories. His son Chase, who also races, and his daughter Madison now run the company.