Steve McQueen’s Son Died — He Left 3 Kids Behind Who Share Their Family’s Love for Acting & Cars

The son of legendary Hollywood actor Steve McQueen, Chad McQueen, passed away yesterday.

Discover the kids he left behind, who carry on the McQueen name in acting, racing, and other endeavors.

The legendary actor Steve McQueen’s son, Chad McQueen, was sixty-three when he passed away in Palm Springs on September 11, 2024. Renowned for his unwavering commitment to his family and his love of racing, Chad left a legacy entwined with the life of his father.

His wife, Jeanie, and kids made the following emotional social media post: “We announce the departure of our father, Chad McQueen, with heavy hearts. His incredible journey as our devoted father and his steadfast devotion to our mother were true examples of a life full of love and devotion.”

The statement continued: “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.”

The McQueen family added, “He passed his passion, knowledge, and dedication down to us, and we will continue not only his legacy but our grandfather’s as well,” to underline their dedication to carrying on this legacy. As a family, we must get through this trying time, and we respectfully request your privacy while we honor and celebrate his remarkable life.”

The most well-known part of Chad’s career was playing Dutch in the 1984 and 1986 motion pictures “The Karate Kid” and “The Karate Kid Part II”. His portrayal of a member of the Cobra Kai left a lasting impact on pop culture during the 1980s.

Renowned for his belligerent demeanor, Dutch frequently incited his Cobra Kai comrades to harass the lead character, Daniel LaRusso, portrayed by Ralph Macchio. Despite not being able to follow in his father’s footsteps in terms of success, Chad left a lasting impression in films such as “Red Line” (1995) and “New York Cop” (1993).

Chad’s real calling was racing, more than acting. Chad succeeded as a professional race car driver, following in his father’s footsteps, and he participated in notable races like the 12 Hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Additionally, he established McQueen Racing, a business dedicated to creating fast vehicles and motorcycles, thereby establishing the McQueen brand in the automotive industry.

But in 2006, he nearly lost his life in a crash during practice for the Daytona International Speedway’s Rolex 24 event, which dealt a serious blow to his racing career.

Chad’s career as a professional racer was finished by the incident, despite his survival. He nevertheless kept up his involvement in motorsports through his business.

Chad McQueen, who was born in Los Angeles on December 28, 1960, and raised in Malibu, proudly and resolutely carried the McQueen brand, fusing his celebrity from Hollywood with the fast-paced world of motorsports. Madison, Chase, and Steven, his three children, as well as his wife, survive him.

The Children of Chad McQueen

Steven R. McQueen, the eldest son of Chad, followed in his father’s footsteps and became a successful actor in Hollywood. Steven, who was born on July 13, 1988, is well-known for playing Jeremy Gilbert in the hit television show “The Vampire Diaries.”

In addition, he made appearances in other noteworthy films, including “Everwood,” “Chicago Fire,” and the horror movie “Piranha 3D.” Steven frequently acknowledged that the McQueen name opened doors in Hollywood, even though he had never met his renowned grandpa. Nevertheless, he was determined to carve out his own career.

The actor expressed his enthusiasm for his grandfather’s work in interviews, recalling how his love of acting was sparked by watching movies like “The Thomas Crown Affair,” “Bullitt,” and “The Great Escape.”

Steven has dedicated his career to upholding his family’s tradition while being loyal to his own style and passions; he frequently chooses roles that are darker in contrast to his grandfather’s action-hero reputation.

But his skills are not limited to acting. In a 2014 ad for Abercrombie & Fitch, he displayed his riding prowess and tough appearance, unavoidably evoking comparisons to his grandfather.

Steven, who is proud of his history, has a passage from Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken” and the McQueen crest tattooed on his body. These represent his path of taking risky and unorthodox decisions in both his personal and professional life.

Chase McQueen, Chad’s second son, pursued a career in racing, closely following in the footsteps of his father and grandpa. Like Chad, Chase has shown his professional abilities at the racetrack and acquired a passion for it.

Chase has worked behind the scenes in the film industry in addition to his career in motorsports. He was a member of the extra crew for the movie “Eating Out: Drama Camp.”

At the time of writing, he had amassed a modest 11.8K Instagram followers, many of whom complimented him on his remarkable likeness to his famed grandfather.

On one of Chase’s social media pictures, someone said, “Wow, looking like ur grandfather.” Someone else expressed the same thought by typing, “It’s amazing how much your grandfather Steve McQueen resembles you! Furthermore, Steve is my favorite fan.

Chase sent a touching tribute to his father on social media after his death, saying, “To my Dad, you were a true leader, the toughest man I’ve ever known.” You had a special way of making everyone you came into contact with feel loved and appreciated.”

“You pushed me harder than anyone else could ever do, and for that, I’m forever grateful,” the post said. You gave our family your all to protect them, and I swear to uphold that tradition. It gives me some comfort to know that you and your sister are finally reunited. Love you, until we ride together again.”

Madison McQueen, Chad’s lone child and youngest child, was born in 1997 and continues the family’s love of racing and performance.

Madison, who is well-known for her bravery, was never acquainted with her grandfather but feels a strong bond with his legacy. She accepted her family’s passion for automobiles, especially Porsches, and cherishes her memories of going racing with her father.

Madison has always been open about how much she values the past of her family and how much she treasures the things that her father and grandfather left behind. With the birth of her son in 2023, the McQueen family welcomed a new generation.

Madison celebrated her son’s fifth birthday on Instagram in August of that year, writing, “Well, we officially have a 5-month-old!!” We are incredibly appreciative of our wonderful boy and our entire family and circle of friends!”

The three McQueen children—Chase, Steven, and Madison—collectively respect the legacies of their father and grandparents and have each made a distinct contribution to the McQueen family’s long-lasting influence on Hollywood and motorsports.