(CNN) – Actor Chad McQueen, son of Hollywood legend Steve McQueen, has died aged 63.
McQueen got his big break in 1984 when he was cast in the hit film “The Karate Kid,” in which he played Dutch, the adversary of protagonist Ralph Macchio.
His attorney, Arthur H. Barens, told The Associated Press that he died Wednesday.
McQueen followed in his father’s footsteps, both on screen and on the motor racing circuit.
His wife, Jeanie Galbraith, posted a tribute on Instagram, alongside their son, Chase, and daughter, Madison.
The family announced his death “with heavy hearts,” adding: “His remarkable career 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 to honor his father’s legacy, a testament to the values he instilled in him. He passed on his passion, knowledge and dedication to us, and we will continue not only his legacy, but that of our grandparents as well.”
McQueen is also survived by his son from a previous relationship, Steven R. McQueen – an actor who appeared on “The Vampire Diaries.”
Chad McQueen reprised his role in the 1986 sequel to “The Karate Kid,” as well as other films, and also produced two documentaries about his father: “I Am Steve McQueen” in 2014 and “Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans” the following year.
His father, who rose to fame in the 1960s with the action films “The Magnificent Seven” and “The Great Escape,” died in Mexico in 1980 at just 50, following an operation to remove a tumor.
In addition to his acting career, McQueen inherited a passion for cars from his father. According to AP, he spent years racing professionally – including the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona – but suffered a number of injuries as a result.
In 2010, he founded McQueen Racing, which he ran with his children Chase and Madison, and created custom cars and motorcycles and the company worked with the film industry.
“I didn’t find acting fun anymore,” McQueen told AP in a 2005 interview. “So I decided to go full-time into racing.”
In another Instagram post, McQueen’s son Chase wrote: “Knowing you are now reunited with your father and sister is a comfort to me. Until we race again, I love you.”
Jon Hurwitz, one of the creators of “Cobra Kai,” the “Karate Kid” revival that has been a hit for Netflix, also paid tribute online.
He said he and his colleagues had met with McQueen to discuss a return to the series. In a post on X, Hurwitz described McQueen as a “Karate Kid legend” and added: “Sadly, Chad wasn’t able to join us when it came time to film. At the end of the day, it just wasn’t meant to be. But Dutch will always be remembered as the toughest of the tough in the Miyagiverse. He kicked ass.”
He added: “The fandom mourns a Karate Kid legend today. I am so grateful to have had the honor of spending an afternoon with him. Sending much love and strength to his wonderful family. May Chad rest in peace.”
