Actor Chad McQueen, who played Dutch in “The Karate Kid” and “The Karate Kid II,” has died at the age of 63.
McQueen’s family – his wife Jeanie and children Chase and Madison – confirmed his death in an Instagram post on Thursday, September 12.
“His remarkable journey as a loving father to us and his unwavering devotion to our mother truly exemplified a life of love and devotion,” the post said.
“His passion for racing not only highlighted his exceptional talent, but was also a way of honouring his father’s legacy, a testament to the values instilled in him,” it continued. “He passed on his passion, knowledge and dedication to us and we will not only carry on his legacy, but also that of our grandfathers.”
While McQueen’s family did not release a cause of death, his friend Arthur Barens told The Hollywood Reporter that McQueen died of organ failure at his ranch in Palm Springs, California.
“Dutch was perhaps the purest Cobra of them all. Ruthless and dangerous through and through,” wrote Jon Hurwitz, writer and producer of the series “Cobra Kai,” on X. “That’s what we loved about him. And it’s all because of Chad McQueen’s performance.”
Hurwitz said the crew tried to get McQueen to appear in the show, but McQueen was hesitant because of injuries he sustained in his career as a professional racer. The actor was also injured in a crash in 2020 and never fully recovered, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
“Unfortunately, Chad was unable to be there when it was time to film. Ultimately, it was not meant to be. But Dutch will always be remembered in the Miyagiverse as a true badass,” Hurwitz wrote. “The fan community mourns the loss of a Karate Kid legend today. I am so grateful to have had the honor of spending an afternoon with him. Sending much love and strength to his wonderful family. May Chad rest in peace.”
McQueen was born on December 28, 1960, in Los Angeles, California, according to the late actor’s IMDb biography.
His breakthrough came in 1984 with his role in The Karate Kid, where he played one of the antagonists of Daniel, played by Ralph Macchio. McQueen reprised the role in the 1986 sequel to the film, The Karate Kid II.
He has starred in several other minor films and television shows. His last appearance on IMDB was listed in 2001. He has served as a producer on several films, including a 2015 film about his father, Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans.
McQueen also raced professionally for many years and took part in the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans and Daytona.
