• Faith: Christian
• Career: Actor
• Birthday:  December 28, 1960
• Date of Death:  September 11, 2024

Chad McQueen was an actor, film producer, martial artist, and race car driver. He was the only son of actor Steve McQueen.

Growing up in the shadow of his father's fame, Chad inherited a love for both acting and racing. From an early age, he displayed an interest in motorsports, participating in dirt bike competitions before moving on to auto racing. His childhood was influenced by his father's dual legacy in Hollywood and on the racetrack, which shaped Chad’s future endeavors.

Chad McQueen followed his father's path into acting, gaining recognition for his role as Dutch in "The Karate Kid" (1984), a role he reprised in the sequel two years later. Dutch was known as one of the key antagonists in the film, cementing Chad’s place in pop culture. His portrayal of the tough, merciless Cobra Kai character became iconic, and even decades later, fans of the "Karate Kid" franchise continued to associate him with the role. ,/p>

Beyond "The Karate Kid," McQueen appeared in several action films such as "Martial Law," "Death Ring," and "Red Line." However, his passion for racing never waned. In 2010, he founded McQueen Racing, where he worked closely with his children, Chase and Madison, to create custom cars and motorcycles. His involvement in the racing world wasn’t limited to competition—he also shared his expertise and enthusiasm through motorsports-related programs like "Celebrity Rides" and "Hot Rod TV."

In addition to his acting and racing career, Chad took on a producer role in creating two documentaries about his father: "I Am Steve McQueen" (2014) and "Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans" (2015). These documentaries allowed Chad to explore his father's legacy in-depth, bridging his own life’s work with that of Steve McQueen, while also sharing personal reflections on their relationship.

Chad McQueen was a devoted family man, married to Jeanie McQueen. Together, they had two children, Chase and Madison, who were actively involved in McQueen Racing. Chad also had a son from a previous relationship, Steven R. McQueen, who is well-known for his role in "The Vampire Diaries."

On September 11, 2024, McQueen passed away at the age of 63. His friend Arthur Barens told The Hollywood Reporter that McQueen died from organ failure while at his Palm Springs ranch.

McQueen's wife, Jeanie Galbraith, posted a tribute to him on Instagram with their son Chase and daughter Madison. The family announced his death “with a heavy heart,” adding: “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. He passed his passion, knowledge and dedication down to us and we will continue not only his legacy but our grandfathers as well.”

Chad McQueen's Religious Beliefs

Though Chad McQueen’s Christian faith was not a central aspect of his public persona, it was an important part of his private life. He was known to uphold the values instilled in him by his family, which reflected a strong sense of love, loyalty, and service to others—principles that align with Christian teachings. His family’s statement following his death highlighted his life of "dedication and love," traits often associated with a deep spiritual foundation. While his religious beliefs were more subtly integrated into his public appearances, his devotion to family, humility in success, and willingness to serve in various capacities hint at a quiet but strong faith.