The son of Hollywood legend Steve McQueen, Chad, died lately. Meet his progeny, who continue McQueen’s legacy in acting, racing, and more.
Chad McQueen, 63, son of Steve McQueen, died in Palm Springs on September 11, 2024. Chad’s legacy paralleled his father’s life due to his family devotion and racing love.
Getty Images: Steve and Chad McQueen on the “Le Mans” set in France on June 24, 1971.
His wife Jeanie and children said, “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our father, Chad McQueen, on social media. His journey as a loving father to us and his everlasting commitment to our mother spoke of a life of love and dedication.”
According to the family, “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 McQueen family said, “He passed his passion, knowledge, and dedication down to us, and we will continue not only his legacy but our grandfather’s as well. As a family, we need privacy to mourn and honor his remarkable life.
Chad was well recognized for playing Dutch in “The Karate Kid 1984” and “The Karate Kid Part II” in 1986. His Cobra Kai role shaped ’80s pop culture.
Dutch, known for his aggression, encouraged Cobra Kai members to abuse Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso. Though his cinematic career didn’t match his father’s, Chad’s 1993 and 1995 turns in “New York Cop” and “Red Line” were remarkable.
Chad McQueen at the 68th Cannes International Film Festival on May 16, 2015. | Getty Images
Racing was Chad’s calling, not acting. After Steve, Chad became a successful race car driver, competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and 12 Hours of Sebring.
He established McQueen Racing, a high-performance automobile and motorbike manufacturer, confirming his automotive heritage.
Chad McQueen at the “Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans” US premiere in North Hollywood, California, on November 11, 2015.
The 2006 Rolex 24 practice incident at Daytona International Speedway nearly ended his racing career.
Chad survived the crash, but his racing career ended. However, his company kept him in motorsports.
Chad McQueen, born in Los Angeles on December 28, 1960, and raised in Malibu, proudly combined Hollywood celebrity with motorsports. Family includes his wife and children Steven, Chase, and Madison.
Children of Chad McQueen
In Hollywood, Steven R. McQueen, Chad’s oldest son, followed in the family acting legacy. Steven, born July 13, 1988, became famous for playing Jeremy Gilbert on “The Vampire Diaries.”
He appeared in “Chicago Fire,” “Everwood,” and the horror flick “Piranha 3D.” Steven never met his legendary grandpa, but he praised the McQueen name for opening doors in Hollywood. He was determined to carve his own path.
In interviews, the actor praised his grandfather’s work, recalling watching films like “The Thomas Crown Affair,” “Bullitt,” and “The Great Escape” that inspired him to perform.
Steven has chosen darker roles to honor his family’s tradition while being loyal to his style and interests, often contrasting with his grandfather’s action-hero reputation.
His talents go beyond acting. His 2014 Abercrombie & Fitch campaign featured his riding abilities and rough appearance, bringing comparisons to his grandfather.
Steven has the McQueen crest and a passage from Robert Frost’s poem, “The Road Not Taken,” tattooed on his body to honor his heritage and show his spirit of adventure.
Chase McQueen, Chad’s second son, followed his father and grandfather into racing. Chase, like Chad, loves racing and competes professionally.
Chase has worked behind the scenes in film, including as part of the additional crew for “Eating Out: Drama Camp.”
He has 11.8K Instagram followers who regularly compared him to his grandfather, Steve McQueen.
Chase received the comment, “Wow looking like ur grandfather,” on social media. Another wrote, “I can’t believe it your grandfather Steve McQueen look alike you! Steve is my favorite fan.
Chase wrote on social media, “To my Dad, you were a true leader, the toughest man I’ve ever known,” after his father died. Your unique style of touching everyone you encountered made you adored by many.”
The post continued, “You pushed me harder than anyone else, and I’m forever grateful. You gave your everything to protect our family, and I will too. I feel better knowing you’re with your parents and sister. Till we ride again, I adore you.”
Since 1997, Madison McQueen, Chad’s youngest daughter and only daughter, has shared his family’s enthusiasm for performance and racing.
Known for her bravery, Madison never met her grandfather but feels passionately connected to his history. She shared her family’s love of Porsches and remembers racing with her father.
Madison has been open about her interest of family history, cherishing antiques from her father and grandfather. She had a son in 2023, starting a new McQueen generation.
Madison celebrated her son’s 5-month birthday on Instagram in August, writing, “Well, we officially have a 5-month-old!! We love our adorable boy and are grateful for our family and friends!
Chase, Steven, and Madison McQueen respect their father and grandfather by each contributing to Hollywood and motorsports.