DLNews Entertainment:

Palm Desert, CA – Chad McQueen, beloved actor, producer, martial artist, and racecar driver, passed away at the age of 63 on the morning of Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at his home in Palm Desert, CA. His passing was confirmed by his mother, Neile Adams McQueen.

Born Chadwick Steven McQueen on December 28, 1960, Chad was the son of the renowned Broadway, television, and film performer Neile Adams and her late first husband, the legendary actor Steve McQueen. Like his father, Chad carved his own path in both Hollywood and the world of racing, earning recognition for his talents across a range of pursuits.

Chad McQueen is perhaps most widely remembered for his role as Dutch in the iconic films The Karate Kid and The Karate Kid Part II. His acting credits also include roles in Martial Law, New York Cop, Red Line, and Death Ring. Off-screen, McQueen won a Telly Award for producing the documentary Filming at Speed, a reflection of his lifelong passion for racing. He also made numerous appearances on television shows such as Hot Rod TV and Celebrity Rides.

From an early age, Chad McQueen was a devoted automobile and motorcycle enthusiast, a passion he inherited from his father. He often reminisced about riding dirt bikes with Steve McQueen in the desert near their home in Palm Springs, starting when he was just nine years old. By age 10, Chad entered the racing world, winning his first event, the mini Le Mans, a children-only racecourse built on the set of his father’s iconic 1971 film Le Mans. By 12, Chad had already claimed victory in his class at the World Mini Grand Prix.

Chad McQueen's professional racing career took off with the Sports Car Club of America, where he demonstrated his love for Porsche vehicles. His passion ultimately led him to launch McQueen Racing, LLC, a company dedicated to continuing the family’s storied automotive legacy.

Chad McQueen is survived by his devoted mother, Neile Adams McQueen, and his life partner of 31 years, Jeanie McQueen Galbraith. Together, Chad and Jeanie raised two children, Chase and Madison. He is also survived by his son from a previous marriage, Steven R. McQueen, his grandson, Michael Carriles, and his son-in-law, Mitchell Carriles. Chad was predeceased by his father, Steve McQueen, and his sister, Terry McQueen.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Chad McQueen’s memory to The Boys Republic in Chino Hills, CA—a nod to the institution that played a crucial role in shaping both Chad’s and his father’s lives.