‘Karate Kid’ Actor Chad McQueen Dies at 63

McQueen, son of legendary actor Steve McQueen, rose to fame in the 1984 hit film

Chad McQueen, who starred as Dutch in the 1984 martial arts classic “The Karate Kid,” has died at the age of 63. His death was confirmed by his manager, Jeff Alan, who said McQueen died on Friday, April 28, 2023.

McQueen was born on December 28, 1959, in Los Angeles, California. He was the son of actor Steve McQueen and model Neile Adams. McQueen began his acting career in the 1970s, appearing in small roles in films and television shows. However, it was his role as Dutch in “The Karate Kid” that made him a star.

In “The Karate Kid,” McQueen played a bully who tormented the protagonist, Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio). However, over the course of the film, McQueen’s character evolves and becomes a friend to Daniel. McQueen's performance was praised by critics and helped make the film a commercial success.

McQueen continued to act after the success of “The Karate Kid,” appearing in films such as “The Blob” (1988) and “Fire Birds” (1990). However, he never achieved the same level of success as he did with his role in “The Karate Kid.”

In addition to his acting career, McQueen was also a passionate race car driver. He competed in several races, including the 24 Hours of Daytona. McQueen’s racing career was cut short in 1986 when he was involved in a serious accident. The accident left him with severe injuries, and he never fully recovered.

McQueen’s death is a loss to the entertainment world. He was a talented actor who starred in one of the most iconic films of the 1980s. He will be missed by his fans and family.