KARATE Kid star and son of iconic actor Steve McQueen, Chad McQueen, has died at the age of 63.
He died Wednesday at his home in Palm Desert, California, TMZ reports.
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Chad McQueen Dies at 63 Credits: Rex
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Chad played Dutch, a member of the evil gang Cobra Kai in The Karate Kid (1984)
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He died at his home in California surrounded by his children and partnerCredit: Rex
His lawyer confirmed the actor’s death and said he was suffering from organ failure caused by an injury sustained years earlier.
Chad was with his children Chase and Madison, wife Jeanie and attorney Arthur Barens when he died.
He was known for his role as Dutch in the 1984 film The Karate Kid opposite Ralph Macchio, as well as the 1993 film Firepower.
Chad was also a professional car racer and won the World Mini Grand Prix at just 12 years old.
His family told Variety: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father, Chad McQueen.
“His extraordinary journey as a loving father to us, along with his unwavering devotion to our mother, truly exemplified a life filled with love and devotion.
“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 on his passion, knowledge and dedication to us, and we will continue not only his but also our grandfather’s legacy.
“As a family, we must get through this difficult time and we kindly ask for privacy as we remember and celebrate his remarkable life.”
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Barens paid tribute to him as a “one of a kind guy” who will be “missed”.
He also put to rest rumors that Chad was reprising his Karate Kid role for the final season of the hit TV series Cobra Kai and confirmed that he was not involved.
Cobra Kai creator Jon Hurwitz said he tried to talk McQueen into appearing.
Writing on Twitter/X, he said: “Dutch was perhaps the purest Cobra ever. Ruthless and dangerous in its entirety. That’s what we loved about him. And it’s all because of Chad McQueen’s performance.
“We’ve always wanted Chad McQueen to appear on the show. And it almost happened a couple of times. Chad was torn. His racing injuries limited his options, but he liked the idea of playing with his friend, @william_zabka again. They had a lot of fun together making The Karate Kid.”
Chad was the only son of Oscar winner and film legend Steve McQueen, who tragically died at the age of 50 in 1980, and his first wife, Filipino American actress Neila Adams.
They also had a daughter, Terry Leslie McQueen, who died in 1998 at the age of 38.
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Chad with his dad Steve McQueen on the set of Le Mans in 1971. Credit: Shutterstock
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