Dec. 28, 1960 – Sept. 11, 2024

Chad McQueen, 63, the actor best known for his role as Dutch in the films “The Karate Kid” and “The Karate Kid Part II” died Wednesday morning, Sept. 11, at his home in Palm Desert, said his mother Neile Adams McQueen.

Born Chadwick Steven McQueen on Dec. 28, 1960, McQueen was the son of Broadway, television and film performer Neile Adams, and her late first husband, the iconic actor, Steve McQueen. Aside from acting, Chad McQueen was also a film producer, martial artist and racecar driver.

As an actor, Chad McQueen’s film credits included: “Martial Law,” “New York Cop,” “Red Line” and “Death Ring.” As a producer, McQueen won a Telly Award for his documentary “Filming At Speed.” McQueen appeared on numerous television programs, including “Hot Rod TV” and “Celebrity Rides.”

From an early age Chad became an avid enthusiast of automobiles, motorcycles and racing, following in the footsteps of his father Steve McQueen, with whom at age 9 he rode dirt bikes near their home in the desert in Palm Springs.

Chad began auto racing at the age of 10 winning his first race, the mini Le Mans event, a children-only track created on the set of his father’s 1971 film, “Le Mans.” By the age of 12, Chad won his class in the World Mini Grand Prix. A lover of Porsche cars, his professional racing career started with Sports Car Club of America. Chad later started his own company, McQueen Racing, LLC.

 In addition to his mother, Chad is survived by his life partner of 31 years Jeanie McQueen Galbraith and their children: Chase and Madison; son Steven R., from a previous marriage; grandson Michael Carriles; and son-in-law Mitchell Carriles. In addition to his father, he was predeceased by his sister Terry.  

Donations can be in Chad McQueen’s name to The Boys Republic in Chino Hills.